England 4-2 Croatia — World Cup 2026 Group L

17 June 2026 | Dallas Stadium | Attendance: 70,389

England opened their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in stunning fashion, defeating Croatia 4-2 in a breathless group stage encounter at Dallas Stadium. Thomas Tuchel's side twice led, twice were pegged back, before pulling clear in the second half to claim all three points.

First Half — 2-2 at the Break

Harry Kane gave England the lead on 12 minutes, finishing coolly to put the Three Lions ahead. Croatia hit back on 36 minutes through Martin Baturina, set up by Petar Sucic. Kane restored England's advantage on 42 minutes, converting from a Declan Rice delivery — but Croatia struck again deep in first-half stoppage time, Petar Musa nodding home an Ivan Perisic cross to make it 2-2 at the break.

Second Half — England Pull Clear

Jude Bellingham struck just two minutes after the restart (47'), turning in an Elliot Anderson pass to restore England's lead. Substitute Marcus Rashford wrapped things up on 85 minutes — assisted by Bukayo Saka — to seal a memorable 4-2 victory.

Goal Scorers

| Time | Goal | Scorer | Assist | |------|------|--------|--------| | 12' | 1-0 | Harry Kane (ENG) | — | | 36' | 1-1 | Martin Baturina (CRO) | Petar Sucic | | 42' | 2-1 | Harry Kane (ENG) | Declan Rice | | 45+4' | 2-2 | Petar Musa (CRO) | Ivan Perisic | | 47' | 3-2 | Jude Bellingham (ENG) | Elliot Anderson | | 85' | 4-2 | Marcus Rashford (ENG) | Bukayo Saka |

Verdict

Kane's brace took him level with England's all-time World Cup scoring record. With Bellingham and Rashford also on the scoresheet, England sent a statement to the rest of the tournament. Croatia, despite a spirited showing, are left with work to do in Group L.