Kane scores twice as England beat Croatia 4-2 at the World Cup

by Newsroom9 hours ago🌐 Translated by 21 Digital app

Harry Kane scored two first-half goals and led England to a 4-2 victory over Croatia in the team's opening match at the 2026 World Cup, played in Texas.

Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford completed the English tally, while Croatia fought hard and equalised twice during the match, making for a dramatic contest until the final whistle.

Penalty drama and a spectacular comeback

England made a nervy start at the Dallas Cowboys' stadium, in front of a crowd of around 70,000 spectators. The drama began when Croatian captain Luka Modric caught Noni Madueke with his foot inside the penalty area, and French referee Clement Turpin pointed to the spot.

Kane stepped up and took the first penalty, but goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic saved it. Turpin ordered a retake after a video review, as the goalkeeper had come off his line early, and Kane made no mistake the second time.

Croatia hit back through Martin Baturina and Petar Musa, equalising twice after Kane's goals and keeping their hopes alive.

Bellingham and Rashford seal the win

In the opening minute of the second half, Jude Bellingham restored England's lead, giving Thomas Tuchel's side the advantage they needed. England had several chances to extend their margin, but it was substitute Marcus Rashford who scored the fourth goal five minutes from time.

This was a rematch of the 2018 World Cup semi-final, in which Croatia had triumphed 2-1 after extra time. England are targeting their first major trophy since 1966 and have started their North American campaign on the right foot.