England beat Croatia 4-2 as Kane scores twice in World Cup opener
Harry Kane scored two first-half goals before Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford secured England’s 4-2 World Cup win over Croatia in Texas.
By Daniel Okafor · Business Editor
2 min read
England opened its 2026 World Cup campaign with a 4-2 win over Croatia in Texas, with Harry Kane scoring twice in a first half that swung repeatedly between control and defensive trouble. AFP reported that Jude Bellingham struck just after the break and Marcus Rashford added a late goal to give Thomas Tuchel’s side three points.
The match, played Wednesday at the air-conditioned home of the Dallas Cowboys in front of 70,000 fans, renewed a World Cup rivalry that included Croatia’s 2-1 extra-time semifinal win over England in 2018, according to AFP. England entered the tournament under Tuchel seeking its first major trophy since 1966, AFP reported.
Kane gave England the lead in the 12th minute after Luka Modric caught Noni Madueke in the penalty area, AFP reported. Dominik Livakovic saved Kane’s first attempt, but French referee Clement Turpin ordered a retake after video review found that the Croatia goalkeeper had moved off his line.
AFP reported that Kane went to Livakovic’s left again and converted the second attempt. England then pushed forward, with Bellingham driving through midfield and forcing Livakovic into a save, while Madueke later delivered a low cross that Bellingham narrowly failed to reach.
Croatia equalized in the 36th minute after England lost possession in midfield, AFP reported. Petar Sucic created the opening with footwork that beat John Stones before setting up Martin Baturina, whose first-time shot got past Jordan Pickford despite the goalkeeper touching the ball.
England restored its lead six minutes later. According to AFP, Declan Rice’s corner found Kane unmarked, and the captain headed in to move to 10 World Cup goals, matching Gary Lineker for the most by an England player.
Croatia answered again in first-half stoppage time. AFP reported that Petar Musa punished another lapse in England’s defense, finishing from close range in the fifth minute of added time to make it 2-2 at the interval.
Bellingham put England back in front two minutes into the second half, AFP reported. The Real Madrid midfielder ran down the right without a challenge and placed his shot into the corner for England’s third goal.
England then created several chances to extend the lead, according to AFP. Kane and Nico O’Reilly each had two opportunities, while Bellingham also threatened as England pressed Croatia’s goal.
Croatia had openings of its own after England dropped deeper in the final 15 minutes, AFP reported. Rashford, introduced as a substitute, ended the pressure with five minutes remaining by scoring England’s fourth and securing the result.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.