England Begin World Cup Campaign With Thrilling Win Against Croatia

England began their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign on a strong note with a 4-2 win over Croatia, who have now lost four of their last five opening matches at the tournament.

Thomas Tuchel was in charge of the Three Lions at a major tournament for the first time, starting what he hopes will be the first step toward winning England’s first major men’s trophy in 60 years.

After reaching the last four in the previous two World Cups, Zlatko Dalić’s Croatia came into this match ready to play the underdog role and tried to take advantage of any early nerves from England.

But England were soon handed a big chance when Luka Modrić brought down Noni Madueke in the box, and the referee awarded a penalty.

Dominik Livaković saved Harry Kane’s first attempt from the spot, but the England captain got another chance after the goalkeeper moved off his line too early.

Harry Kane then calmly scored on his second attempt, marking his 30th appearance at a major tournament for England with a typical goal.

Croatia hit back strongly when Martin Baturina fired a brilliant right-footed shot past Jordan Pickford. England then regained the lead as Harry Kane scored again, matching Gary Lineker’s record of 10 World Cup goals for England with a well-placed header from a Declan Rice corner.

But England still looked shaky at the back, and Petar Musa calmly finished past Pickford after Ivan Perišić headed the ball into his path just before half-time.

The late equaliser from Croatia seemed to upset England, and they responded quickly after the break when Jude Bellingham scored within two minutes of the restart.

Meanwhile, Livaković kept Croatia in the game for some with a series of good saves, as England kept pushing for a fourth goal.

Bukayo Saka then ran in from the right and set up Marcus Rashford perfectly, allowing him to cut inside and calmly finish past Livaković.

It was a strong start to the tournament for England, who have lost only one of their opening nine World Cup matches. Croatia, meanwhile, will need to regroup after suffering a fifth defeat in their last seven meetings with England.