England got theirs World Cup 2026 got off to the perfect start with a stubborn Croatia 4-2 in a breathless Group L match in Dallas. Thomas Tuchel’s team showed a lot in the vanguard but enough defensive fragility to keep the result in doubt until the end.
Harry Kane got England going in the 12th minute from the penalty spot, although the captain had to convert his effort twice. Luka Modric’s misguided challenge on Noni Madueke gave England a chance, and while Dominik Livakovic kept out Kane’s first-time effort, the keeper was deemed to have gone off too soon. Kane made no mistake the second time he asked.
Croatia, never a team to be taken lightly, equalized in the 36th minute. Martin Baturina sent a fierce ball past Jordan Pickford, who got a hand to the ball but couldn’t keep it out.
Kane predictably put England back in front three minutes before the break, heading home from Declan Rice’s corner. The goal had added meaning, scoring alongside Gary Lineker 10 goals in the World Cup and registration his 81st strike in 115 appearances for your country
England’s lead lasted only a few moments. As half-time approached, Croatia equalized again with a well-constructed move, Petar Musa guiding Ivan Perisic’s header past Pickford to level the teams at 2-2.
What Tuchel said at half-time clearly worked. Jude Bellingham, preferred over Morgan Rogers in the starting XI, emphatically justified the decision, driving forward and finishing confidently to restore England’s lead early in the second half. The midfielder’s display underlined exactly why he had been entrusted with the role.
England pushed forward in search of a fourth and Croatia, under sustained pressure, somehow held firm for long periods. The decisive blow came five minutes from time when substitute Marcus Rashford slotted home with a cool, composed finish to calm any remaining nerves and seal the points.
Tuchel left with plenty to reflect on
There was much to enjoy about Tuchel, especially the value of opening a big tournament with three points and the confidence that brings. However, the head coach will be under no illusions about the work still required. England were a real threat in attack, particularly during a period after the break when Bellingham struck and Croatia clung to wave after wave of pressure.
Kane’s arm put him between them the first contenders for the Golden Boot alongside Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland, while Bellingham’s performance ended with a fine goal. Worry is at the other end. Both of Croatia’s goals had an air of avoidance, and Tuchel will want a tighter and more secure defensive structure as the tournament progresses. On the day, however, the win was thoroughly deserved and the scoreline was a good reflection of England’s overall superiority.
A fist afternoon for Modric
For Croatia, the game marked a difficult day for the perennial Modric. The 40-year-old has lit up so many World Cups, reaching the final in Russia in 2018 and the semi-finals in Qatar four years later, but this was not one of his best outings. His wrong tackle gifted England their first penalty, and it was withdrawn in the 58th minute as the game slipped away.
Modric will remain at the heart of anything Croatia achieve at this tournament, with Zlatko Dalic’s side known for their ability to run deep. They’ll have to dust themselves off quickly, though there was little reason to complain about the result.
what comes next
England travel to Boston to face Ghana on Tuesday (21:00 BST), while Croatia look to bounce back against Panama three hours later (00:00 BST).
