ENGLAND EDGE CROATIA IN SIX-GOAL THRILLER TO OPEN WORLD CUP CAMPAIGN

England kicked off their 2026 World Cup campaign with an entertaining 4-2 victory over Croatia as Thomas Tuchel made a winning start at a major tournament with the Three Lions.

Harry Kane opened the scoring from the penalty spot after being given a second chance when his initial effort was saved, before Croatia responded through Martin Baturina’s stunning strike.

Kane restored England’s lead with a header from a Declan Rice corner, drawing level with Gary Lineker’s record of 10 World Cup goals for England.

Croatia hit back again before the break when Petar Musa finished from Ivan Perišić’s knockdown to make it 2-2.

England regained control shortly after halftime as Jude Bellingham marked another milestone appearance with a composed finish from Elliot Anderson’s pass.

 The Three Lions then created several chances before substitutes Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford combined late on, with Rashford calmly slotting home to seal the win.

Croatia threatened throughout and forced Jordan Pickford into important saves, but Zlatko Dalić’s side could not find a third equaliser.

The victory gives England three valuable points in Group K, while Croatia are left searching for a response after another disappointing start to a World Cup campaign.