Arlington: England commenced their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in spectacular fashion, overcoming a resilient Croatia side 4-2 in an absorbing Group L encounter at the Dallas Stadium. A high-octane second-half display ensured Thomas Tuchel’s side secured all three points despite several defensive lapses in the opening period.

The drama unfolded early in Texas. In the ninth minute, Croatia captain Luka Modrić was penalised for a high boot on Noni Madueke inside the penalty area. Although Harry Kane saw his initial penalty saved by Dominik Livaković, a VAR review confirmed encroachment by the Croatian defence. Given a second opportunity, the England captain made no mistake, burying his retake in the 12th minute to give the Three Lions an early lead.

Croatia responded with intent and found an equaliser in the 36th minute. Martin Baturina unleashed a stunning long-range strike that beat Jordan Pickford, despite the England goalkeeper getting his fingertips to the ball.

The frantic pace continued as England regained the advantage just six minutes later. Declan Rice delivered a precise corner to the far post, allowing Kane to head home his second goal of the match. However, Zlatko Dalić’s men refused to back down. Deep into first-half stoppage time, veteran winger Ivan Perišić won an aerial duel to nod the ball into the path of Petar Musa, who calmly side-footed past Pickford to level the scores at 2-2 just before the whistle.

Tuchel's halftime instructions clearly energised the Three Lions, who took control immediately after the restart. In the 47th minute, Jude Bellingham produced a moment of individual brilliance. Latching onto a long ball from Elliot Anderson, Bellingham veered inside from the right wing and drilled a low effort past Livaković to make it 3-2.

England continued to press for a cushion but had to wait until the 85th minute to seal the victory. Substitutes combined to provide the final blow, as Bukayo Saka skipped down the right touchline before feeding Marcus Rashford, who neatly slotted the ball into the bottom corner.

With this result, England sits at the top of Group L.