England began their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with an entertaining 4-2 victory over Croatia in Dallas, collecting three important points in their opening Group L match. Thomas Tuchel’s team impressed in attack but also showed defensive weaknesses that will need attention as the tournament progresses.
England start strongly through Kane
England made a bright start and took the lead in the 12th minute. Noni Madueke won a penalty after being brought down by Luka Modric inside the box. Harry Kane stepped up to take the spot-kick, but his first effort was saved by Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic. However, the goalkeeper was ruled to have moved off his line too early, forcing a retake. Kane made no mistake with his second attempt and gave England an early advantage.
Despite controlling large parts of the game, England struggled to keep Croatia quiet. The Croatians remained dangerous whenever they attacked and found an equaliser in the 36th minute. Martin Baturina unleashed a powerful strike that flew past Jordan Pickford, who got a hand to the ball but could not stop it from finding the net.
Kane strikes again before halftime
England responded quickly to the setback. Three minutes before the break, Kane restored the lead with a powerful header from Declan Rice’s corner. The goal was his 81st for England and his 10th in World Cup history, drawing him level with Gary Lineker’s World Cup scoring record for England.
However, England’s defensive issues surfaced again just before halftime. Croatia produced a well-worked move, with Ivan Perisic heading the ball into the path of Petar Musa, who guided his finish beyond Pickford to make it 2-2.
Bellingham takes control
England came out strongly after the interval. Jude Bellingham justified his selection with an outstanding display and quickly put his team back in front. The midfielder drove forward with purpose before finishing confidently to restore England’s lead moments after the restart.
The goal shifted momentum firmly in England’s favour. Tuchel’s side dominated possession and created several chances during a sustained period of pressure. Croatia struggled to contain England’s attacking movement as the Three Lions pushed for another goal.
Rashford seals the victory
Although Croatia remained in the contest, England finally put the result beyond doubt five minutes from time. Substitute Marcus Rashford kept his composure inside the penalty area and finished calmly to score England’s fourth goal.
The late strike ended any hopes of a Croatian comeback and ensured England opened their World Cup campaign with a deserved victory.
Attack shines but defence raises concerns
England’s attacking display gave plenty of reasons for optimism. Kane immediately entered the race for the tournament’s Golden Boot, joining stars such as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland among the early scorers.
Bellingham also delivered a commanding performance in midfield, combining energy, creativity and a crucial goal.
However, Tuchel will be concerned by England’s defending. Croatia’s two goals came from situations that England could have handled better. While the attack looked sharp and dangerous, defensive improvements will be necessary against stronger opponents later in the tournament.
Difficult day for Modric
For Croatia, it was a frustrating evening. Luka Modric, who has been one of the nation’s greatest World Cup performers, endured a difficult match. The veteran midfielder conceded the early penalty and was substituted after 58 minutes as England increasingly took control.
Despite the defeat, Croatia still have plenty to play for and will look to bounce back in their next Group L fixture.
What comes next?
England now turn their attention to a challenging match against Ghana, while Croatia will face Panama as both teams continue their Group L campaigns.
England leave Dallas with three valuable points and plenty of positives in attack, but they will know that tightening up defensively could be crucial to their hopes of making a deep run at the World Cup.