England World Cup 2026: Kane Brace Inspires Impressive World Cup Start Against Croatia

England opened their 2026 campaign with a 4-2 win over Croatia, showing resilience and attacking strength after a shaky first half. Harry Kane struck twice, while Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford added second-half goals, as England responded to two Croatian equalisers to claim three points in this Group L match at Dallas Stadium.

The victory arrived after England struggled early, but the performance still underlined major tournament ambitions. Croatia twice cancelled out Kane’s first-half efforts, yet England’s improved control after the interval, plus sharper finishing, proved decisive and gave Gareth Southgate’s side a strong platform in a group that also includes heavyweight contenders.

Kane’s contribution extended far beyond the scoreline. The Bayern Munich forward moved level with Gary Lineker on 10 World Cup goals, the joint-highest total by an England player. Kane also became only the second England footballer to score at three separate World Cups, matching David Beckham’s achievement across the 1998, 2002 and 2006 tournaments.

Bellingham delivered another standout display on the global stage. The midfielder registered a crucial goal on his 16th major tournament appearance, the most by any European player before turning 23. Four of Bellingham’s seven international goals have come at major tournaments, giving the midfielder the highest tournament scoring ratio for any England player with at least five goals.

The match’s early pattern was set in the ninth minute. Noni Madueke went down under a challenge from Luka Modric as Modric tried to clear inside the area, and the referee awarded a penalty. Kane’s initial effort, taken with a stuttering run-up, was pushed away by Dominik Livakovic, but encroachment by Josko Gvardiol and Livakovic leaving the line forced a retake.

Kane then converted the second attempt calmly, giving England an early lead. Croatia responded with increasing pressure and were rewarded nine minutes before half-time. Martin Baturina met a cutback from Petar Sucic and curled a superb shot into the top-left corner, beyond Jordan Pickford’s reach, to pull Zlatko Dalic’s side level against the run of possession.

England World Cup clash decided by key moments after the break

England restored the advantage before the interval when Declan Rice’s corner found Kane unmarked. Kane rose highest and directed a firm header past Livakovic. Croatia struck again in first-half stoppage time, though. Ivan Perisic guided a clever backward header into space, and Petar Musa reacted sharply, volleying past Pickford from close range for 2-2.

The second half started at high speed and changed the contest. Just 85 seconds after the restart, Elliot Anderson released Bellingham with a sweeping pass down the right channel. Bellingham sprinted onto the ball, cut inside and drilled a low shot that went in off the left post, giving England the lead for a third time and shifting momentum.

England almost increased the margin soon afterwards during a chaotic spell in the Croatian box. Livakovic produced a triple stop, first denying Nico O’Reilly, then Anthony Gordon, then Ezri Konsa in quick succession. The goalkeeper immediately sprang up again and blocked two further efforts from Kane, keeping Croatia in the game and delaying England’s comfort.

Croatia applied late pressure as Dalic’s team searched for another equaliser, yet England’s substitutes made the difference. Bukayo Saka combined neatly with Rashford five minutes from time. Rashford cut inside Josip Stanisic on the left edge of the area and guided a measured finish into the bottom-right corner, finally putting clear daylight between the sides.

England World Cup numbers highlight dominance over Croatia

Bellingham’s impact was not limited to attacking play. The midfielder also led England’s defensive work, winning three tackles, more than any team-mate. That balance between discipline and creativity helped stabilise England after the chaotic first half and allowed Southgate to reshape the midfield later, when Rice and Bellingham were both withdrawn.

Southgate’s substitutions had further influence. Rashford’s strike was the fourth international goal scored as a substitute, moving the forward behind only Jermain Defoe on seven, and level with Kane and Peter Crouch on five in that category. Those numbers underline England’s attacking depth, which could be crucial as the World Cup schedule becomes more demanding.

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Statistical measures reflected England’s control across the 90 minutes. England attempted 22 shots to Croatia’s 10 and posted an expected goals figure of 2.8, compared with Croatia’s 0.71. That difference, combined with the clinical finishing from Kane, Bellingham and Rashford, showed why England emerged with a two-goal margin despite first-half defensive lapses.

Overall, England navigated a difficult opening assignment, reacted well to setbacks and relied on big contributions from Kane and Bellingham. The 4-2 victory over Croatia delivered a positive start to their Group L programme and suggested that England have both the attacking weapons and squad options required to handle future World Cup challenges.