Harry Kane struck twice, including a retaken penalty, and Jude Bellingham produced a stunning solo goal as England opened their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 4-2 win over Croatia in Dallas on Wednesday, but the scoreline masked defensive frailties that left manager Thomas Tuchel with work to do.
Kane opened the scoring after Luka Modric felled Noni Madueke in the box, but the Bayern Munich striker’s first spot-kick was saved by Dominik Livakovic, only for the referee to order a retake because the goalkeeper had left his line. Kane made no mistake the second time, scoring his eighth World Cup goal.
“Harry Kane scored twice as England beat Croatia 4-2 in their World Cup opener despite shaky defending.”
Croatia hit back through Martin Baturina’s superb finish, but Kane restored England’s lead with a bullet header from Declan Rice’s corner, moving level with Gary Lineker as England’s all-time leading World Cup scorer with 10 goals. Petar Musa then equalised on the stroke of half-time, a blow that exposed England’s shaky backline.
BBC Sport’s Alex Howell rated John Stones and Ezri Konsa just 5 out of 10, noting they “need more time together as a partnership in a major tournament”. The Mirror’s John Cross was even harsher on Stones, writing: “He looked miles off it. That is probably what you get from barely playing all season.” Jordan Pickford also scored 5, with wayward clearances and questionable positioning for Croatia’s first goal.
Bellingham put England 3-2 up early in the second half with a brilliant individual effort, prompting Cross to say he “looked a man on a mission. Wow.” The Real Madrid midfielder was rated 7 by both the BBC and the Standard, and was praised for his energy and intelligence in the number 10 role.
Marcus Rashford sealed the win late on with an elite finish, rolling the ball into the bottom corner after being introduced in the 72nd minute alongside Morgan Rogers and Bukayo Saka. Saka assisted Rashford’s goal. Rashford was rated 7 by all three outlets.
While the attacking trio of Kane, Bellingham and Madueke impressed — Madueke’s pace and reading of the game won the penalty — the defending will concern Tuchel. The back four conceded twice, and Croatia threatened throughout. The Mirror noted that “England will surely put Guehi back into defence next time”.
With the win, England sit top of Group D and face their next group game with momentum in attack but questions at the back.