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England began their World Cup campaign with a 4-2 victory over Croatia in Texas on Wednesday, with Harry Kane scoring twice in a high-tempo contest that swung dramatically before Thomas Tuchel’s side pulled away in the second half.
Kane gave England an early lead from the penalty spot after Noni Madueke was fouled by Luka Modrić, although his first attempt was saved by Dominik Livaković before a retake was awarded for encroachment. The England captain made no mistake the second time, calmly sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.
Croatia responded through Martin Baturina, who levelled the score after England lost possession in midfield and Petar Sučić carved open the defence with a sharp pass. England briefly regained control when Kane rose to head in a Declan Rice corner, but Petar Musa restored parity just before half-time after more defensive lapses.
The second half, however, shifted decisively. Jude Bellingham struck just two minutes after the restart, surging forward unopposed before finishing clinically to restore England’s advantage. From that point, England dominated possession and territory, creating a series of chances through Kane, Bellingham and Nico O’Reilly but failing to extend the lead immediately.
Marcus Rashford eventually sealed the result late on, finishing a move that capped a relentless spell of pressure and ensured England’s winning start in Group L.
Reflecting on the match, Kane said the performance was defined by contrasting halves.
“I thought the game was two halves really,” he said. In the first half, we were okay, really disappointed to concede the way we did. Credit to the manager. At half-time he told us if we lose, we’re losing our way. You saw in the second half we went full gas, and they couldn’t live with it.”
Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić described the encounter as “strange and difficult,” pointing to errors at set-pieces as decisive. “We made a lot of mistakes, especially when it came to set-pieces,” he said.
England will face Ghana next, while Croatia meet Panama as the group stage continues.
