England began their FIFA World Cup campaign in emphatic fashion on Wednesday, defeating Croatia 4-2 in an entertaining Group-stage encounter played before more than 70,000 spectators in Texas.
Captain Harry Kane struck twice in the opening half, while Jude Bellingham and substitute Marcus Rashford added further goals as Thomas Tuchel’s side secured a winning start to their quest for a first major international title since 1966.
Croatia, runners-up at the 2018 World Cup, refused to back down and twice fought their way back into the match through Martin Baturina and Petar Musa, but England’s attacking quality ultimately proved decisive.
The clash, staged at the climate-controlled home of the Dallas Cowboys, revived memories of the 2018 World Cup semi-final, where Croatia edged England after extra time. However, England entered this contest determined to make a statement under Tuchel’s leadership.
The Three Lions struggled to settle in the opening minutes, but the breakthrough arrived after Noni Madueke was brought down inside the penalty area by Croatian captain Luka Modric.
Kane’s first spot-kick was saved by goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic, but the penalty was ordered to be retaken after VAR determined the Croatian shot-stopper had moved off his line prematurely.
The Bayern Munich forward made no mistake with his second attempt, firing England into the lead after 12 minutes.
Buoyed by the opener, England increased the pressure. Jude Bellingham drove forward with intent and forced Livakovic into action, while Croatia found it difficult to contain England’s movement and energy.
The game paused briefly for a drinks break, drawing frustration from sections of the crowd despite the stadium’s enclosed and air-conditioned environment.
England nearly doubled their advantage in the 30th minute when Bellingham narrowly missed connecting with a dangerous delivery from Madueke.
Croatia, however, found a route back into the contest six minutes later. A careless turnover in midfield allowed Petar Sucic to burst forward and create an opening for Baturina, who expertly fired beyond Jordan Pickford despite the goalkeeper getting a touch.
The equaliser only seemed to spark England into life again. In the 42nd minute, Declan Rice’s corner found Kane unmarked inside the box, and the striker headed home to restore England’s advantage.
The goal moved Kane level with Gary Lineker as England’s highest scorer in World Cup history with 10 goals.
Yet Croatia struck again before the interval. Deep into first-half stoppage time, England’s defence was exposed once more, allowing Petar Musa to finish from close range and make it 2-2 heading into the break.
England regained control almost immediately after the restart.
Just two minutes into the second half, Bellingham surged forward down the right flank and calmly slotted the ball into the net to restore England’s lead for a third time.
The goal opened the floodgates as England created several opportunities to extend their advantage. Kane, Nico O’Reilly, and Bellingham all came close, but Croatia remained within striking distance.
As the match entered its closing stages, Croatia pushed forward in search of another equaliser, creating a handful of promising chances.
However, England sealed the result five minutes from time when Marcus Rashford found space and finished clinically, putting the game beyond Croatia’s reach and securing all three points for Tuchel’s side.
The victory gives England an ideal start to their World Cup campaign and reinforces hopes that the team can challenge for global glory under their new manager.
