England Overcome Croatia in Six-Goal World Cup Thriller
England opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a 4-2 victory over Croatia in a lively Group L encounter on Wednesday.
Thomas Tuchel’s side recovered twice after being pegged back by the Croatians before second-half goals from Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford secured all three points in Texas.
Harry Kane gave England an early lead from the penalty spot in the 12th minute after a retake was ordered following a save by Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic.
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Croatia responded on 36 minutes through Martin Baturina, who finished off a move created by Petar Sucic after England lost possession in midfield.
Kane restored England’s advantage six minutes later, heading home from a Declan Rice corner to score his 10th World Cup goal and draw level with Gary Lineker as England’s joint-highest scorer in the competition.
The lead lasted only until first-half stoppage time when Petar Musa capitalised on defensive lapses to level the score at 2-2.
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England regained control shortly after the restart as Bellingham surged forward and calmly finished to make it 3-2 just two minutes into the second half.
The Three Lions created several opportunities to extend their lead but were repeatedly denied before Rashford sealed the victory five minutes from time.
The result gives England a positive start in their quest for a first major international title since 1966, while Croatia will look to bounce back in their next group fixture.
Despite defensive concerns on both sides, England’s attacking quality proved decisive in a contest that produced six goals and plenty of entertainment for the crowd in Arlington.