England launched their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign emphatically, defeating Croatia 4-2 in a pulsating Group L opener as captain Harry Kane scored twice to inspire the Three Lions to all three points.
In a match packed with momentum swings, spectacular goals and heroic goalkeeping, Gareth Southgate’s side eventually proved too strong, overcoming Croatia’s resilience to make the perfect start to their quest for a second world title.
England were handed an early opportunity to take the lead in the ninth minute after Noni Madueke was brought down by veteran midfielder Luka Modrić inside the penalty area.
Kane’s initial penalty was brilliantly saved by Dominik Livaković, but a VAR review ruled that the Croatian goalkeeper had moved off his line before the kick was taken. Given a second chance, England’s skipper made no mistake, calmly converting in the 12th minute to give the Three Lions a 1-0 advantage.
Croatia refused to be overwhelmed and found an equaliser in the 36th minute after winning possession in midfield. Petar Sučić drove forward before setting up Martin Baturina, who unleashed a stunning long-range strike into the far corner beyond Jordan Pickford.
England responded before the interval through another set-piece. Declan Rice whipped in a precise corner and Kane rose highest to power home his second header of the night in the 42nd minute.
However, Croatia struck again deep into first-half stoppage time. Petar Musa ghosted into the six-yard box to head past Pickford, sending the teams into the break level at 2-2 after a breathless opening 45 minutes.
England wasted little time regaining the lead after the restart.
Just two minutes into the second half, Elliot Anderson released Jude Bellingham, who burst into the penalty area before firing a clinical finish into the far corner to restore England’s advantage at 3-2.
The Three Lions continued to dominate and were repeatedly denied by Livaković, who produced a string of outstanding saves to keep Croatia within touching distance.
The Croatian goalkeeper first denied Rice’s curling effort before making remarkable back-to-back stops from Nico O’Reilly and Anthony Gordon, followed by another outstanding save to prevent Kane from completing his hat-trick.
Croatia’s resistance was finally broken in the closing stages. In the 85th minute, Bukayo Saka led a swift counterattack before finding Marcus Rashford, who kept his composure to slot home England’s fourth goal and put the result beyond doubt.
England closed out an entertaining contest with a deserved 4-2 victory, collecting three valuable points to begin their World Cup journey.
England’s attacking quality was on full display, with Kane once again proving decisive on football’s biggest stage. While Croatia demonstrated their trademark fighting spirit by twice coming from behind, England’s relentless pressure and superior firepower ultimately made the difference.
The result gives the 1966 world champions an ideal start in Group L and early control of the qualification race.
Credit Photo : FA
