World Cup: Kane inspires England to thrilling victory over Croatia
Harry Kane impressed as England earned a 4-2 victory over Croatia in their World Cup opener on Wednesday at the Dallas Stadium in the United States of America.
Thomas Tuchel opted for a strong lineup with Jordan Pickford in goal, Reece James, Eric Konsa, John Stones and Nico O Reilly in front of him.
Jude Bellingham started in the midfield alongside Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson while Harry Kane led the line, flanked by Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke.
Luka Modric led the Croatian team, becoming the third outfield player to appear in a World Cup after his 40th birthday after Roger Milla and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Harry Kane gave England the lead from the penalty spot in the 12th minute after Luka Modric fouled Noni Madueke in the box.
Kane’s initial effort was saved before the referee ordered for it to be retaken after Gvardiol encroached, the Bayern Munich forward made no mistake in the second attempt.
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Baturina equalised for Croatia against the run of play in the 36th minute.
Kane scored his second of the match with a glancing header from Declan Rice’s cross to make it 2-1.
On the stroke of half time, Petar Musa restored parity for Croatia with a clinical finish as the first half ended 2-2.
Jude Bellingham produced a close range finish in the 47th minute to give England an early lead in the second half.
Substitute Marcus Rashford finished off an impressive team move with a sublime finish in the 85th minute to wrap up the maximum points for England.
The Three Lions will return to action against Ghana on Tuesday and Croatia will take on Panama a day after.
Top Stats From England vs Croatia 2026 World Cup Match
4 – Four of Jude Bellingham’s seven England goals have been scored in major tournaments, the highest ratio of any player to score 5+ times for England in history (57%).
Ivan Perisic has assisted a goal on four World Cup editions, with only Lionel Messi also providing an assist on as many World Cup tournaments on record (since 1966).
10 – Harry Kane has scored 10 FIFA World Cup goals, the joint-most of any England player, along with Gary Lineker.
200 – Since joining Bayern Munich, Harry Kane has been involved in exactly 200 goals in 178 appearances for club and country.
⚽️ 168 goals
🤝 32 assists
3 – Harry Kane has become just the second England player to score at three separate FIFA World Cup tournaments (2018, 2022, 2026), along with David Beckham (1998, 2002, 2006).
5 – Harry Kane has now scored the most penalties (excl. shootouts) in FIFA World Cup history (5).
England have conceded two goals in the first half of a World Cup match for the first time since 2010 against Germany (2).
