Harry Kane scored twice, including a retaken penalty, as England beat Croatia 4-2 in their World Cup opener in Dallas – a victory that had fans back at Wembley already dreaming of glory.
Thomas Tuchel's side were twice pegged back in a breathless first half. Croatia equalised after Kane's spot-kick had given England the lead, then cancelled out the captain’s thumping header with a goal of their own. But Tuchel's half-time message was clear: “Even if we lose, it will not change my perception of the last 17 days, but let's do it our way,” he told ITV. “I just encouraged them to go for it.”
“Harry Kane's brace and goals from Bellingham and Rashford gave England a 4-2 win in their World Cup opener.”
They did. Jude Bellingham, who Tuchel had opted to start over Morgan Rogers, scored shortly after the restart to spark a swashbuckling second half. Marcus Rashford came off the bench to add a fourth, ensuring the Three Lions took all three points.
Yet there were concerns. Both Croatian goals exposed England’s inexperienced defence, and Declan Rice limped off after being substituted, giving Tuchel an injury worry.
Back at Wembley, fans celebrated. Michael Dunhill, 34, said: “We can go all the way this year. It's amazing.” Paul Adcock, 56, added: “That was amazing. We smashed it. Harry Kane is a hero.”