In Arlington, Texas, England emerged victorious with a 4-2 win against Croatia, thanks to an impressive performance by Harry Kane. Kane scored twice, equaling the English record for World Cup goals. Jude Bellingham contributed with another goal just two minutes into the second half.
Martin Baturina and Petar Musa responded to Kane’s first-half goals. Musa’s goal came right before the first half ended. However, England quickly regained the advantage in the second half.
Bellingham executed a long pass perfectly, evading a defender and sending a shot past Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic. Marcus Rashford widened England’s lead with a goal in the 85th minute.
Kane, the 2018 World Cup Golden Boot winner in Russia for scoring six goals, tied Gary Lineker’s record of 10 World Cup goals, which was set during the 1986 and 1990 tournaments. The striker’s first goal came after a video review overturned Livakovic’s initial save on a penalty kick, as Livakovic’s feet were off the line. Kane went the same direction on his second attempt, scoring while Livakovic moved away.
The penalty was awarded when Croatian midfielder Luka Modric, appearing in his fifth World Cup, fouled Noni Madueke. Kane then equaled Lineker’s record with a powerful header from a corner kick by Declan Rice, bringing his international goal tally to 81.
Bellingham almost added another goal shortly after his seventh international strike. Livakovic was kept busy, with several saves in quick succession during a relentless English attack.
Musa, playing for Major League Soccer’s FC Dallas, scored near his home ground at AT&T Stadium. The stadium offered an air-conditioned escape from Texas’s heat for fans from both England and Croatia, who donned their traditional red-and-white checkered attire, contrasting with the players’ blue kits.
Musa capitalized on a header from Ivan Perisic, sending it past Jordan Pickford. Baturina had earlier scored with a shot into the left corner after Pickford’s slight touch.
England will next face Ghana in Foxborough, Massachusetts, in Group L, while Croatia will play Panama in Toronto on the same day.