Harry Kane gives England a flying start against Croatia with two goals

England put themselves in the spotlight during the opening match in Group L of the 2026 World Cup by beating Croatia 4-2. Harry Kane was the big man in the England side with two goals in the first half, equaling Gary Lineker's record as top scorer for England at the World Cup.

The match in Arlington, Texas, was full of excitement. In the beginning, Croatia, led by Luka Modrić, seemed to be in control, but an unfortunate foul by Modrić resulted in a penalty for England in the twelfth minute. Kane saw his first penalty saved by goalkeeper Dominik Livaković, but was allowed to take the shot again because Livaković came off his line too early. This time the English striker did not fail: 1-0.


Croatia leveled with a nice combination between Martin Baturina and Petar Sučić; Baturina finished calmly past Jordan Pickford. Yet England regained the lead before half-time. Kane headed home from Declan Rice's sharply cut corner. His tenth World Cup goal was a fact. Just before half-time, another setback followed for the English: Petar Musa – playing near his own FC Dallas stadium – scored the 2-2 after preparatory work by Ivan Perišić.

Immediately after the break, England struck again. Jude Bellingham took advantage of a pass from Elliot Anderson, raced towards goal and shot in via the post. The English remained stronger in the second half. Rashford decided the game definitively by making it 4-2 from the edge of the penalty area, untenable for Livaković.

Thanks to this victory, England starts the 2026 World Cup with confidence, while Croatia must regroup in the remaining group matches.

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