England launched their 2026 World Cup campaign with a pulsating 4-2 victory over Croatia in a heavyweight Group L encounter in Arlington, Texas. The match, held on June 17, lived up to its billing as a high-stakes rematch of the 2018 World Cup semi-finals.
Harry Kane led the charge with a brace, equaling the English record for World Cup goals. He was supported by Jude Bellingham, who scored two minutes into the second half, and Marcus Rashford, who also found the net to deliver the knockout blows for Thomas Tuchel's side.
The victory comes after a history of intensity between the two nations, specifically Croatia's extra-time win over England in 2018. While Zlatko Dalic's side applied sustained pressure in a back-and-forth battle, England ultimately overcame the Croatian comeback to claim the win.