Frances HoweUpdated June 18, 2026 — 6:39am,first published 5:59am6.39amCroatia equalise!By Just when it looked like England were building to another goal with some sharp crosses from Reece James, Croatia have managed to win the ball back just ahead of the halfway line. It’s a clever play from Sucic who goes to take it himself before turning and passing to Martin Baturina who smashes the ball past two England defenders and into the goal via a deflection from Jordan Pickford who doesn’t have enough force to stop it from going in. England 1-1 Croatia, 37 minutesCroatia’s Martin Baturina celebrates scoring against England. AP Photo/Julio Cortez6.34amBellingham goes down in the box, calls for another penaltyBy We’re back after the drinks break and England look as though they’re trying to slow this match down slightly to maintain possession. It doesn’t last long as Croatia win the ball back. So far, the Three Lions have held 54 per cent of the ball, compared to Croatia’s 46.Madueke finds the ball on the right of the pitch and fires a cross that finds Jude Bellingham in the centre of the box. He gets a foot to it but also goes down and England are asking for another penalty. They don’t get one and Bellingham is up again soon enough.England 1-0 Croatia, 30 minutesBellingham goes down inside the box. AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez6.27amEngland fans celebrate the first goalBy Fans celebrate England’s first goal at Croydon Boxpark in London’s south. Getty ImagesThe Clock pub in Hepburn, England is full.AP Photo/Scott HeppellFans in Dallas Stadium. Getty Images6.23amKane becomes the second England men’s player to score at three World CupsBy Peter Sucic has won a free kick in Croatia’s defensive half off a foul from Declan Rice and almost immediately after Luka Vuskovic wins one off Elliot Anderson.Also we’ve just been told over the commentary that Harry Kane – who draws level today with David Beckham on 115 international caps – has become the second England men’s player to score in three different World Cups. And he joins? Yep – Beckham.And we head into the hydration break.England 1-0 Croatia, 22 minutesHarry Kane becomes just the second England men’s player to score at three different World Cups.Getty Images6.19amMadueke wins a corner and Kane fires another shotBy Madueke wins England their first corner of the match after a sort-of attempt on goal is blocked by Mario Pasalic. The delivery sees the ball land metres from the huddle in the box and Kane runs to get to it, he fires a shot but it’s easily blocked by the muddle of players. England 1-0 Croatia, 17 minutes6.13amEngland score off penalty conceded by ModricBy This is unbelievable, Modric of all people has conceded a penalty kick to England inside 10 minutes. On his 199th cap for Croatia, you’d think he’d know better, but he kicks the air and catches Noni Madueke in the process.It’s Harry Kane to take it. This is a man who has scored 107 career penalties and scored 30 consecutive penalties for England. He takes it with his right but wow! It’s saved by Dominik Livakovic!It’s not over yet! Kane is asking the referee to check that Livakovic was off his line. It looks close on the replay, but Harry Kane will get another chance! This time, he banks it.England 1-0 Croatia, 12 minutesKane points to the spot. Getty Images6.08amKick-off in DallasBy And we have kick-off for England v Croatia in Dallas.England have conceded a corner in the 2nd minute of the match, it finds Sutalo but is a pretty poor attempt afterwards, he sends it flying over the goal.England manager Thomas Tuchel.Getty ImagesHere’s the lineup this morning:England selected Arsenal forward Noni Madueke to start ahead of clubmate Bukayo Saka in their Group L World Cup opener against Croatia at Dallas Stadium on Wednesday. Anthony Gordon has been selected ahead of Marcus Rashford on the left side of England’s attack.5.58amHave your say: England v CroatiaBy 5.58amRecap: Ronaldo’s Portugal held to 1-1 draw against CongoBy Michael KahnHouston: Portugal and their talisman Cristiano Ronaldo were left frustrated after Democratic Republic of Congo fought back to earn a 1-1 draw on Wednesday in the African nation’s return to the World Cup stage after 52 years.It looked like it would be a long afternoon for DR Congo with Portugal taking the lead inside six minutes when Pedro Neto crossed for Joao Neves who headed home from 15 metres.Cristiano Ronaldo walks off the pitch after the 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of the Congo.Getty ImagesIt gave one of the pre-tournament favourites the perfect start, though ended as their only effort on target in the game.Portugal coach Roberto Martinez acknowledged his side felt the pressure of trying to win the tournament while failing to carve out enough opportunities and keeping the ball in areas that allowed DR Congo to adjust.5.53amHello and welcomeBy 1 of 1