
World Cup
8:00 p.mJune 17, 2026
Group stage – 1
AT&T Stadium
Referee: Clement Turpin, France


England


Croatia
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
2.82
Expected Goals (xG)
0.53
-0.75
Prevented goals
-0.75
Passing by
402 (86%)
Accurate passes
368 (86%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
1
G
Jordan Pickford
6.3
3
d
Nico O’Reilly
6.2
5
d
John Stones
6.5
2
d
Ezri Konsa
6.2
24
d
Reece James
5.9
M
Rice Declan
M
Elliot Anderson
18
M
Anthony Gordon
6.2
M
Jude Bellingham
47′
20
M
You Maduek
7.7
F
Harry Kane (C)
12′
42′
1
G
Dominik Livakovic
7.7
4
d
Josep Guardiol
5.6
22
d
Luka Vušković
6.0
6
d
Josip Sutalo
5.9
M
Ivan Perišić
15
M
Mario Pasalic
6.7
10
M
Luka Modric (C)
6.0
2
M
Josip Stanišić
6.7
F
Martin Baturina
36′
F
Petar Sučić
F
Petar Musa
45+5′
Substitutes
11
F
Before Budimir
F
Andrej Kramarić
19
M
Tony Fruk
M
Nikola Vlasic
7
M
Nikola Moro
21
M
Luka Sucic
18
M
Kristijan Jakic
25
d
Martin Erlić
3
d
Marin Pongracic
5
d
Duje Ćaleta-Car
12
G
Ivor Pandur
23
G
Dominik Kotarski
F
Igor Matanović
F
Marco Pasalic
M
Mateo Kovačić
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England defeated Croatia 4-2 in an entertaining World Cup clash at AT&T Stadium, with two goals from Harry Kane leading the hosts to victory in a thrilling match.
England went into this World Cup game looking to make an immediate impact. Croatia arrived as a competitive team with tournament experience. Both teams looked for an early lead in the opening group game.
Kane opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 12th minute, giving England an early lead. The forward showed composure to convert from 12 yards. England appeared in control after taking the lead.
Croatia responded quickly through Martin Baturina in the 36th minute. Baturina’s finish leveled the game and gave the visitors a boost. The game had become a competitive battle.
Kane restored England’s lead just before the break with his second goal in the 42nd minute. The England captain finished clinically to make it 2-1. However, Petar Musa scored in stoppage time to level the score at 2-2 at the break.
The first half showed offensive football from both sides. England dominated possession with 52 per cent but were up against a resilient Croatian defence. Chances came and went for both teams in an open contest.
England came out stronger after the break and took control immediately. Jude Bellingham scored in the 47th minute to make it 3-2. The midfielder’s goal in the second half was decisive in changing the momentum.
Bellingham’s finish seemed to settle the game in England’s favour. The midfielder showed composure and positioning to find the net. England now had a crucial advantage.
Marcus Rashford sealed the victory with a fourth goal in the 85th minute. Rashford’s finish ended any hopes of a Croatian comeback. England handled the final phase professionally to secure all three points.
England created 21 shots with 11 on target throughout the game. Croatia managed only eight shots and five of them hit the keeper. Expected goals favored England at 2.82 compared to Croatia’s 0.53. Dominik Livaković made seven saves for the visitors in a strong performance.
Kane’s two-goal display earned him a match rating of 8.3. Baturina impressed in Croatia with a 7.9 rating despite the loss. Bellingham contributed defensively with three tackles while scoring its crucial goal.
England’s win sends them top of their group with maximum points. Croatia face an uphill battle after losing their first match. The hosts will look to build on this strong start in their next game.

