England came through a stern test to open their 2026 World Cup campaign as they claimed a thrilling 4-2 win over Croatia thanks to a superb second-half showing.
The start to England’s latest quest to end a 60-year trophy drought was a frenetic one, with Harry Kane twice giving Thomas Tuchel’s side the lead in the first half, only for Croatia to peg them back each time.
Kane broke the deadlock with a 12th-minute penalty that had to be retaken, though his opener was cancelled out by a fierce strike from Martin Baturina.
Bayern Munich star Kane made it 2-1 in the 42nd minute with a simple close-range header, but Croatia again responded with a brilliantly worked goal from Petar Musa late in first-half stoppage time.
Yet England were much improved in the second half, and they were ahead two minutes after the restart as Jude Bellingham responded to Tuchel’s message that he would have to fight for his place with a fine I individual goal.
Dominik Livakovic kept Croatia in the game as the goalkeeper repelled a host of chances in an England onslaught, but Marcus Rashford wrapped up the points as England took a huge step towards the knockout rounds with victory in what is likely to be the toughest game they will face in Group L.
More to follow
