Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane delivered when England needed them most, steering the team to a 4-2 victory over Croatia on Wednesday.
Kane struck twice to match England’s record for World Cup goals, while Bellingham restored control just two minutes into the second half to put England ahead for good.
Croatia kept pace in a rematch of their 2018 semifinal, with Martin Baturina and Petar Musa replying to Kane’s first-half double. Musa’s equalizer came on the final touch of the half, sending the teams level at the break.
The deadlock did not last long. Bellingham latched onto a long pass from Elliot Anderson, surged clear of the defense and finished off the far post beyond Dominik Livakovic. Marcus Rashford sealed the result in the 85th minute.
England's Jude Bellingham (C) celebrates with Harry Kane (L) after scoring during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group L match against Croatia at Dallas Stadium, Arlington, Texas, U.S., June 17, 2026. (AFP Photo)
