England produced a commanding performance to beat Croatia 4-2 in what was widely billed as the standout fixture of the opening round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage. Harry Kane scored twice, with Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford adding further goals, as Gareth Southgate's side shrugged off a stubborn Croatian response to claim three points in Group L and announce themselves as genuine contenders.
The fixture carried the weight of recent history. Croatia famously ended England's World Cup dreams in the 2018 semi-final in Moscow, winning 2-1 after extra time, while England gained a degree of revenge with a 1-0 victory in the EURO 2020 group stage. Those previous encounters, much like the unpredictable rhythms of a russia rapido draw, built an air of genuine uncertainty around this rematch - and the match delivered on every level of that expectation, swinging back and forth before England's clinical finishing proved the decisive difference.
Kane and Croatia's Fight Back Define a Frenetic First Half
England were on the front foot from the opening whistle, pressing high and looking to impose their pace on Croatia's typically measured defensive structure. The breakthrough came early and somewhat controversially. In the ninth minute, Luka Modrić brought down Noni Madueke inside the penalty area. Kane stepped up from the spot but saw his first attempt saved, only for the rebound to fall kindly, allowing him to convert at the second attempt and open the scoring.
Croatia, as they invariably do in major tournaments, absorbed the pressure and methodically worked their way back into the game. In the 36th minute, Luka Sucic showed composure in the box, dribbling past a defender before laying the ball off to Martin Baturina, who struck a powerful effort from just outside the area that gave Jordan Pickford no chance. It was exactly the kind of controlled, purposeful response that has defined Croatian football for the best part of a decade.
The first half refused to settle there. Kane restored England's advantage before the break, timing his run to perfection to meet a Declan Rice corner and guide a header into the bottom corner. Croatia, to their credit, hit back almost immediately through Adam Musa, who converted from close range after a clever combination involving Mario Pašalić and veteran Ivan Perišić. The teams went in level at 2-2 - a scoreline that barely hinted at the fireworks still to come.
Bellingham and Rashford Seal It in a Clinical Second Half
England wasted no time after the restart. Just two minutes into the second half, Bellingham collected a pass deep in his own half, surged forward with the kind of directness that has made him one of the most dangerous players in world football, and drove a precise finish into the far corner of the Croatian net. It was a goal that shifted the momentum decisively in England's favour.
Croatia pushed for an equaliser and opened themselves up in doing so. England punished them with surgical efficiency. In the 85th minute, a move down the right wing ended with the ball arriving at Rashford's feet. One controlled touch took him clear of his marker, and a curling effort found the far corner to make it 4-2 and kill the contest. The goal was a reminder of what Rashford, when fully committed and in form, can bring to this England side at the highest level.
Group L Picture and What This Result Means
England top Group L after the opening round, with maximum points and a goal difference that will encourage confidence. For Southgate, the performance was not without its vulnerabilities - Croatia's two goals highlighted defensive moments that sharper opposition could exploit further - but the attacking output was a clear statement of intent. Kane's brace moves him closer to his own personal milestone as England's all-time record scorer, while Bellingham's impact suggests he is carrying his club form directly onto the international stage.
Croatia, despite the defeat, are far from out of contention in the group. Zlatko Dalić's side have consistently found ways to recover from early setbacks in major tournaments, and the presence of Modrić, even in a deeper role, along with the younger generation breaking through in Sucic and Baturina, means they retain the ability to cause problems. Their next fixture will be critical in determining whether this loss represents a blip or something more damaging to their progression hopes.
