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By Open Chronicle with agencies
England opened their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign impressively on Wednesday, defeating Croatia 4-2 in a thrilling Group L encounter in Arlington, Texas.
The victory gives the 1966 world champions an early advantage in the group and underlines their status as one of the tournament favorites. Croatia, runners-up in 2018 and third-place finishers in both 1998 and 2022, proved difficult opponents but ultimately could not contain England’s attacking quality.
The match began at a high tempo, with both teams creating opportunities. England took the lead in the 12th minute when captain Harry Kane converted a penalty after Noni Madueke was brought down inside the area. The striker calmly sent goalkeeper Dominik Livaković the wrong way to score England’s first goal of the tournament.
Croatia responded positively and found an equalizer in the 36th minute through Martin Baturina, who produced a superb long-range strike into the top corner after being set up by Petar Sučić.
England regained the lead six minutes later. Declan Rice delivered a dangerous corner, and Kane rose highest inside the box, powering a header into the net for his second goal of the evening.
The advantage lasted only a few minutes. Deep into first-half stoppage time, Ivan Perišić headed the ball across goal, and former Benfica striker Petar Musa finished from close range to make it 2-2 at halftime.
England emerged from the break with renewed determination and restored their lead almost immediately. Just two minutes into the second half, Jude Bellingham collected a pass from Elliot Anderson and finished confidently to put the Three Lions ahead once again.
The goal shifted momentum firmly in England’s favor. Gareth Southgate’s side controlled possession and created several chances, forcing Livaković into a series of important saves.
Croatia attempted to respond, introducing experienced midfielder Mateo Kovačić and later adding attacking reinforcements from the bench. However, England’s defense remained composed while its attack continued to threaten.
The decisive moment arrived in the 85th minute. Substitute Bukayo Saka delivered a precise pass into the penalty area, where Marcus Rashford calmly finished to make it 4-2 and effectively seal the victory.
Croatia continued to push forward during the closing minutes, but England managed the final stages professionally and could even have added a fifth goal before the final whistle.
Harry Kane was once again the central figure for England, scoring twice and leading the attack with authority. Bellingham also impressed with another influential display in midfield, while Rashford’s late goal highlighted the strength in depth available to the English squad.
The result places England at the top of Group L, at least temporarily, ahead of the meeting between Ghana and Panama. For Croatia, the defeat represents a disappointing start, though there were enough positive moments to suggest they remain capable of challenging for qualification in the matches ahead.
England’s opening performance sent a clear message to the rest of the tournament: the Three Lions have arrived with serious ambitions of lifting the World Cup for the first time since 1966.