Kane double powers England past Croatia at FIFA World Cup 2026

England opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with an entertaining 4-2 victory over Croatia, overcoming two Croatian comebacks to collect maximum points in a dramatic Group L encounter.

Captain Harry Kane produced another influential display, scoring twice before Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford struck late to ensure Tuchel's side began the tournament with an important victory.

Kane gives England early control

England controlled possession throughout much of the opening half and eventually earned their breakthrough in the 36th minute. After sustained pressure inside Croatia's penalty area, the Three Lions were awarded a penalty, which Kane confidently converted to hand England a deserved lead.

However, Croatia responded almost immediately.

Midfielder Martin Baturina finished off an impressive attacking move six minutes later after excellent work from Petar Sučić, bringing Croatia level and shifting the momentum before halftime.

England refused to let the equaliser unsettle them.

Deep into first-half stoppage time, Declan Rice threaded an intelligent pass into Kane, who calmly finished beyond the Croatian goalkeeper to restore England's advantage heading into the interval.

Croatia fight back again

Croatia emerged strongly after the restart and once again found an equaliser. Just two minutes into the second half, striker Petar Musa capitalised on England's defensive lapse to make it 2-2, setting up a tense contest between two experienced international sides.

The equaliser forced England to raise their intensity as Croatia looked increasingly confident on the counterattack.

Despite enjoying more possession, England struggled to create clear opportunities during large periods of the second half, while Croatia remained dangerous whenever they transitioned forward.

Bellingham delivers the decisive blow

With the match appearing destined for a draw, England's rising star produced the decisive moment. Jude Bellingham found space inside the penalty area in the 85th minute before firing home a composed finish that finally broke Croatia's resistance.

The goal shifted the momentum entirely back in England's favour. Croatia pushed numbers forward searching for another equaliser, leaving space behind for England to exploit.

That opportunity arrived in stoppage time when Bukayo Saka led a swift counterattack before setting up Marcus Rashford, who finished clinically to seal a memorable 4-2 victory.

Kane leads from the front

Harry Kane once again demonstrated why he remains England's most important attacking figure. His two first-half goals not only gave England control but also showcased his movement, composure and leadership under pressure.

Beyond the goals, Kane linked play effectively, creating space for England's attacking midfielders while helping maintain possession during key moments.

Positive start for England

England's victory provides an ideal platform as they begin another pursuit of World Cup glory. Although Croatia exposed defensive weaknesses by twice recovering from losing positions, England's attacking quality ultimately proved decisive.

The performances of Kane, Bellingham, Rice and Saka will give Tuchel plenty of encouragement heading into the remaining group fixtures. Croatia, meanwhile, will take positives from their resilience but know defensive lapses during the closing stages ultimately proved costly against one of the tournament favourites.

SportsLigue