England win a six-goal World Cup thriller
England began their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a dramatic 4-2 win over Croatia, powered by Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford in a thrilling Group L opener.
Kane scored twice in the first half, including a retaken penalty, to equal Gary Lineker’s England World Cup scoring record. Bellingham then restored England’s control early in the second half with a powerful individual goal before Rashford sealed the result late on.
But this was not a comfortable win. Croatia twice found a way back into the match through Martin Baturina and Petar Musa, forcing England to work hard for all three points.
Kane survives penalty drama to put England ahead
England started with attacking intent and earned an early penalty after Noni Madueke caused problems inside the Croatia box.
Harry Kane stepped up, but his first attempt was saved by Dominik Livaković. For a moment, Croatia looked like they had survived the early storm. But after a review, the penalty was ordered to be retaken because of goalkeeper movement.
Kane did not waste the second chance. This time, he struck the penalty with conviction and gave England the lead.
Baturina punishes England’s defensive gap
Croatia did not take long to respond.
Martin Baturina brought them level with a powerful strike from distance, hitting the ball with enough pace to beat Jordan Pickford. The shot was clean, direct and full of confidence.
From England’s point of view, the goal was a warning. Croatia had been allowed too much space around the edge of the box, and England did not close the shot quickly enough.
Kane restores England’s lead and equals Lineker
England’s second goal came from another familiar source: Harry Kane.
After Croatia had worked their way back into the game, Kane restored England’s lead with a powerful header. The movement was classic Kane. He started away from the danger area, found space and attacked the delivery with perfect timing.
The goal was significant beyond the match itself. Kane’s second of the game moved him level with Gary Lineker as England’s record World Cup goalscorer.
Bellingham changes the match after half-time
If Kane owned the first half, Jude Bellingham changed the second.
Just after the restart, Bellingham drove forward with the ball, using his strength and balance to move through Croatia’s midfield. Once he got into shooting range, he stayed composed and finished like a player made for big moments.
Croatia had already shown they could respond, so England needed a third goal to regain control. Bellingham provided it with power, timing and confidence.
Croatia refuse to go away through Musa
Croatia still refused to disappear.
Petar Musa pulled one back with a superb finish after smart work from Ivan Perišić. The goal made it 3-2 and brought the tension back into the match.
It was also another defensive concern for England. Croatia were patient in the build-up, waited for the right moment and found the space to hurt England again.
Rashford seals the win late
Marcus Rashford eventually ended the suspense.
England broke forward late in the match, with Bukayo Saka driving into space before releasing Rashford. The forward cut inside, opened the angle and finished cleanly to make it 4-2.
Rashford’s finish gave England breathing room and finally ended Croatia’s hopes of another comeback. It also showed England’s attacking depth.
Why England’s attack looks dangerous
England’s biggest positive was their attacking variety.
Kane gave them finishing and leadership. Bellingham gave them power and timing from midfield. Madueke caused problems with his direct running. Saka and Rashford added speed and threat late in the game.
This matters because England did not rely on only one pattern. They scored from a penalty, a header, an individual midfield run and a late transition attack.
Tuchel still has defensive work to do
The concern is at the other end.
England conceded twice and looked uncomfortable in several defensive moments. Croatia’s goals came from situations where England could have closed space quicker, tracked runners better or managed the game more calmly.
England have enough attacking quality to win chaotic matches, but tournament football often demands control. Against stronger opponents, defensive lapses could become more costly.
What this means for Group L
England’s 4-2 win gives them the ideal start in Group L.
Three points in an opening match are always valuable, especially against a Croatia team with tournament experience and technical quality. England now have momentum, goals and confidence.
Croatia can still take something from the performance. They scored twice, pushed England hard and showed they have enough quality to trouble teams in the group, but losing the opener means they now need a response.
England vs Croatia 2026 FAQ
What was the final score of England vs Croatia?
England beat Croatia 4-2 in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group L opener.
Who scored for England against Croatia?
Harry Kane scored twice, while Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford also scored for England.
How many goals did Harry Kane score?
Harry Kane scored two goals against Croatia.
Did Kane equal Gary Lineker’s World Cup record?
Yes. Kane’s two goals moved him level with Gary Lineker as England’s record World Cup goalscorer.
Who scored for Croatia against England?
Martin Baturina and Petar Musa scored for Croatia.
Where was England vs Croatia played?
The match was played at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
What group are England and Croatia in?
England and Croatia are in Group L of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
This football news page is written for match context and SEO coverage. It is not betting advice, an odds preview or a recommendation to gamble.
