Harry Kane twice gave England the lead, equaled Gary Lineker's World Cup record, and survived a penalty drama as Thomas Tuchel's side beat Croatia 4-2 in Dallas — a statement win against the team that knocked them out of the 2018 semi-finals.
It was Luka Modric's wild swinging leg that brought down Noni Madueke defending a corner, gifting England a penalty. Kane stepped up, stuttered, and saw his spot-kick saved by Dominik Livakovic diving to his left. But the Croatia goalkeeper was off his line before the kick, and Josko Gvardiol was spotted encroaching on the replay. Kane's second attempt was ice-cool: he sent the ball into the same corner, this time unguarded as Livakovic dived the opposite way.
“Harry Kane equaled Gary Lineker's record with a brace, including a retaken penalty, as England beat Croatia 4-2.”
The goal settled England after a nervy start, but Croatia hit back through Martin Baturina's fine strike from the edge of the box. Kane restored the lead, powering home a header from Declan Rice's magnificent corner. Yet again Croatia levelled, Petar Musa the scorer.
England flew out of the blocks in the second half and were back ahead inside 90 seconds. Jude Bellingham stormed into the box and finished clinically. Nico O'Reilly should have increased the lead from a corner minutes later. England continued to pepper the Croatia goal, and their reward came in the dying embers: Marcus Rashford, ice-cool, slotted home to seal a memorable win.
Kane's brace took him to 10 World Cup goals for England, level with Gary Lineker. With a month of the tournament to go, it is a matter of when, not if, he surpasses the record. For England, the early statement is made: their star men delivered on the big stage.