England launched their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with an impressive 4-2 victory over Croatia in Dallas on Wednesday, as Harry Kane struck twice before Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford added second-half goals to secure all three points for Thomas Tuchel’s side in their Group L opener.
Despite taking the lead on two occasions in the first half, England were twice pegged back by a determined Croatian side.
However, the Three Lions returned from the break with renewed energy and dominance, creating numerous chances and forcing Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic into a series of outstanding saves to keep the scoreline respectable.
England arrived at the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico carrying significant momentum after a flawless qualifying campaign in which they won every match without conceding a goal.
Coupled with the excellent club form of key players such as Kane, many observers regard them as serious contenders for the world title.
Yet England’s supporters remain cautious, mindful of the nation’s long wait for World Cup glory since lifting the trophy in 1966.
Near misses have continued to haunt the team, including defeats in two European Championship finals and a quarter-final exit to France at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Croatia, who famously defeated England in the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, arrived with lower expectations as several members of their golden generation approach the latter stages of their careers.
While Luka Modric and his teammates showed resilience, they were ultimately unable to withstand England’s second-half surge.
