England kicked off their World Cup campaign with a dramatic 4–2 victory over Croatia in a pulsating Group L encounter, with Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford all on the scoresheet in a match that swung repeatedly in both directions.
The fixture carried extra weight due to the teams’ recent history, especially Croatia’s semi-final win over England at the 2018 World Cup, and the rematch in Dallas lived up to the billing with end-to-end intensity and momentum shifts throughout.
England made the early breakthrough in the 12th minute when Kane converted from the penalty spot after Noni Madueke was fouled in the box.
Although Dominik Livaković initially saved the effort, the kick was retaken for encroachment and Kane made no mistake second time around, sending the keeper the wrong way.
Croatia responded strongly and levelled in the 36th minute through Martin Baturina, who struck a precise effort into the corner that goalkeeper Jordan Pickford could not keep out despite getting a touch.
England restored their lead just before the break when Kane rose highest from a Declan Rice corner to head home his second of the night, taking him level with Gary Lineker’s World Cup scoring tally for England.
However, Croatia hit back almost immediately. A clever header from Ivan Perišić set up Petar Musa, who finished calmly to send the sides into half-time locked at 2–2.
After the restart, Jude Bellingham stepped up with a decisive moment in the 47th minute, driving forward on the right before finishing low into the corner to put England ahead once again.
Marcus Rashford then sealed the result in the 85th minute, finishing neatly after being set up by Bukayo Saka.
Despite the victory, England’s defensive structure came under scrutiny after conceding twice from situations they largely controlled, even as their attacking quality ultimately proved decisive in a high-stakes opening clash.
