June 18, 2026
Harry Kane struck twice while Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford delivered the knockout blows as England survived a back-and-forth battle to beat Croatia 4-2 on Wednesday and launch their World Cup campaign in a heavyweight clash that lived up to its billing.
The Group L meeting carried heavy expectations long before kickoff, given the history between the sides, with Croatia's extra-time victory over England in the 2018 World Cup semi-finals adding an extra edge to the occasion.
The match at Dallas Stadium more than delivered as Croatia twice hauled themselves level to keep England in check before Bellingham rose to the occasion with England's third goal in the 47th minute and then Rashford put the game away with an 85th-minute strike.
Bellingham put England decisively in front when he surged down the right with a powerful run before guiding his finish low across goal, the ball kissing the post on its way in. He raised his arms wide in his trademark celebration.
