An electric second half ensured England made a winning start to their World Cup campaign, with Thomas Tuchel’s side showing their attacking excellence in a 4-2 victory over Croatia.
In a reversal of the Gareth Southgate story at Euro 2024, when England’s defence was solid and their attack dependent on individual moments of inspiration, in Texas they were nervous and jittery at the back – but relentless on the front foot.
The highlights reel will give England fans plenty to revel in before their next Group L game with Ghana. Some clips of their defending will give Tuchel sleepless nights.
Captain Harry Kane’s importance to England’s prospects in north America was underlined by his first-half double, which featured a retaken penalty and an expert header from Declan Rice’s fine corner.
England’s Harry Kane celebrates scoring their side’s first goal of the game during the FIFA World Cup Group L match at Dallas Stadium, Arlington. Picture date: Wednesday June 17, 2026.
But Croatia twice pegged England back, scoring from their first two shots on target with the centre-back selection of John Stones and Ezri Konsa in the spotlight. Martin Baturina’s hit was a bolt from the blue after a Stones slip and England dropped too deep for Peta Musa’s well-worked second, with Konsa unable to prevent Ivan Perisic nodding a chipped pass to the goal-scorer.
After the interval, though, England were a different beast. Intense as they battered the Croatian goal after the restart. Jude Bellingham fired into the far corner just two minutes into the second half.
Goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic’s heroics somehow kept Croatia in it but subs Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford combined for the latter to score the fourth and reflect England’s dominance.
This wasn’t the perfect start but it was a convincing win which will fuel belief that England – with a different approach in this new era – can match or even better what they have achieved before under Southgate.
England’s Marcus Rashford celebrates scoring his side’s fourth goal against Croatia
The key moments
12: GOAL! Harry Kane opens the scoring from the spot after Luka Modric kicks Noni Madueke. Kane’s first penalty was saved but Dominik Livakovic was off his line and Josko Gvardiol encroached to force a re-take.
36: GOAL! Martin Baturina blasts in from the edge of the box against the run of play.
42: GOAL! An unmarked Kane heads in Declan Rice’s corner to restore England’s lead.
45+5: GOAL! Petar Musa converts from close range after Ivan Perisic’s headed pass.
47: GOAL! England come out flying at the start of the second half, with Jude Bellingham hitting their third into the far corner.
56: SAVES! Livakovic’s heroics deny Nico O’Reilly, Anthony Gordon and Ezri Konsa from a corner as England pile on the pressure in search of a fourth.
58: SUB! Modric is hooked off on his 199th appearance for Croatia after struggling in midfield and giving away a penalty.
85: GOAL! Subs Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford combine brilliantly for Rashford to make it 4-2.
90+5: BLOCK! Kane puts his body on the line to prevent Josko Gvardiol from scoring.
What the result means…
Analysis: Chaotic and great fun
Sky Sports News’ Rob Dorsett:
Chaotic, captivating, calamitous – at times. World Cup openers are supposed to be cautious, calm and unadventurous. This was the exact opposite.
Tuchel’s fury at England’s defensive frailties and gung-ho approach was clear, but with his words still ringing in their ears at the star of the second half, England’s attacking players showed they have the firepower to hurt anyone in this tournament.
It was often like a basketball game, and Tuchel will hate that England were so open. But he can only applaud their attacking prowess, with Madueke and Bellingham to the fore.
Of course, it was captain Kane who provided some order to proceedings with two goals that took him level with Gary Lineker on 10 World Cup goals.
It was great fun – but Tuchel has much to work to do for sure.
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