ARLINGTON — Harry Kane scored twice to equal England’s all-time World Cup scoring record as the Three Lions opened their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with an entertaining 4-2 victory over Croatia on Wednesday.
Kane’s brace moved him level with Gary Lineker on 10 World Cup goals, while Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford also found the net in a high-scoring Group L encounter at AT&T Stadium.
England twice took the lead in the first half, only to be pegged back by a resilient Croatian side.
Kane opened the scoring from the penalty spot after a video review ruled that Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livaković had left his line before saving the striker’s initial attempt. The England captain converted the retake with ease.
Croatia responded through Martin Baturina, whose low strike beat Jordan Pickford in the 36th minute.
Kane restored England’s advantage with a powerful header from Declan Rice’s corner, scoring his 81st international goal and matching Lineker’s World Cup record.
However, Croatia equalized again on the stroke of halftime when Petar Musa converted from close range after Ivan Perišić’s header found him inside the box.
England regained control just two minutes into the second half. Bellingham raced onto a long pass, held off his defender and fired a shot in off the far post to make it 3-2.
The goal was the Real Madrid midfielder’s seventh for England and shifted momentum firmly in Gareth Southgate’s side’s favor.
England then created a series of chances, forcing Livaković into several impressive saves before Rashford sealed the victory in the 85th minute.
The match also saw Croatia captain Luka Modrić make history by appearing in his fifth World Cup, extending his national record at the age of 40.
Despite the defeat, Croatia showed attacking quality throughout and twice fought back against one of the tournament favorites before England’s superior depth proved decisive.
The victory gives England an ideal start to its World Cup campaign and puts the Three Lions in a strong position ahead of their next Group L match against Ghana.
Croatia will look to recover when it faces Panama in Toronto.
For England, the night belonged to Kane, whose latest World Cup goals moved him level with Lineker and within sight of another major national team record.
Source: Saudi Gazette