Mumbai, June 18: England kicked off their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with an entertaining 4-2 victory over Croatia in a high-scoring Group L encounter. In a match that swung back and forth throughout the first half, England responded impressively to two Croatian equalisers before pulling away after the break to secure all three points.
The Three Lions made a strong start and were rewarded in the 12th minute when Harry Kane calmly converted from the penalty spot after Luka Modrić brought down Noni Madueke inside the area. England continued to threaten, but Croatia fought their way back into the contest.
The equaliser arrived in the 36th minute through Martin Baturina, whose ambitious effort from distance found the net following an unfortunate error from England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. England quickly regained control 6 minutes later as Kane scored a header from a Declan Rice corner, restoring his side’s advantage and completing a first-half brace.
Croatia refused to go away and struck again deep into first-half stoppage time. Ivan Perišić played a key role in the build-up before Petar Musa finished from close range, ensuring the sides went into the interval level at 2-2.
England wasted little time reasserting themselves after the restart. Just 2 minutes into the second half, Jude Bellingham found the net following excellent work from Elliot Anderson to restore England’s lead and shift the momentum firmly in their favour.
As Croatia pushed forward in search of another equaliser, England remained dangerous on the counterattack and eventually sealed the result in the 85th minute. Bukayo Saka’s precise pass found Marcus Rashford inside the penalty area, and the forward produced a composed finish to make it 4-2.
Played at a relentless pace and packed with attacking quality, the contest provided one of the most entertaining matches of the tournament so far. England’s clinical finishing and resilience after each Croatian response proved decisive, with Kane’s first-half brace setting the platform before Bellingham and Rashford completed an impressive opening victory.