Harry Kane shines as England beat Croatia 4-2 in W’Cup opener

England's forward #09 Harry Kane (C) celebrates at the end of the 2026 World Cup Group L football match between England and Croatia at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington on June 17, 2026. (Photo by Aric Becker / AFP)

Harry Kane scored twice in the first half as England eventually saw off Croatia 4-2 to launch their World Cup title assault in Texas on Wednesday. Jude Bellingham, immediately after half-time, and substitute Marcus Rashford with five minutes to go ensured a winning start for Thomas Tuchel’s side after Croatia had fought back to level at 2-2. The prolific Kane twice put England ahead in the first half — one a retaken penalty — only for Martin Baturina and Petar Musa to hit back for 2018 runners-up Croatia. With both sides shaky at the back, the second half threatened another goal glut, Bellingham needing just two minutes to put England ahead again in front of a crowd of 70,000. England had numerous chances to extend their lead immediately after, but did not take them until Rashford popped up. The meeting was a repeat of the 2018 semi-final, which Croatia won 2-1 after extra-time, although England have since had the edge against one of the older squads at the tournament in North America. Thomas Tuchel’s side, bidding to deliver England a first major trophy since 1966, made a nervy start in front of a packed house at the impressive air-conditioned home of the Dallas Cowboys. Then the drama came. Croatia’s talismanic captain Luka Modric dangled out a leg and caught Noni Madueke in the box. Kane saw his unconvincing penalty saved by Dominik Livakovic, only for French referee Clement Turpin to order a retake after video replays deemed the stopper had come off his line. Turpin once sent off Tuchel in the Champions League and the referee taking charge of the game had been highlighted by English media this week. • Bellingham to rescue – Bayern Munich predator Kane held his nerve second time around, again going to Livakovic’s left but this time in more ruthless fashion to give England the lead after 12 minutes. Now it was all England, and Real Madrid midfielder Bellingham — preferred to Morgan Rogers in the number 10 role — surged upfield, forcing Livakovic to smother. Loud boos rang out for the drinks break, given the match was under a roof and not the unforgiving Texas sun. Related News Max Dowman wins 2025/26 Arsenal’s Emirates goal of the season World Cup: Brazil president jokes about thinking of ‘signing Messi’ DR Congo earn historic W’Cup point, hold Ronaldo’s Portugal to 1-1 draw On the half-hour England should have gone 2-0 up, Bellingham narrow