England vs Croatia

England launched their 2026 World Cup campaign in style, powering past Croatia 4-2 in a breathless Group L thriller at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium. Harry Kane stole the show with a brace, reaching 10 World Cup goals to match Gary Lineker's all-time England record — sweet revenge for the 2018 semi-final defeat at Croatian hands. Kane's opener came from the penalty spot in the 12th minute after Dominik Livakovic saved his initial effort, only for referee Turpin to order a retake for encroachment — the foul conceded by Luka Modric. Martin Baturina (36') and Petar Musa (45+5') twice pulled Croatia level, with Kane's 42nd-minute header sandwiched between. Jude Bellingham steadied the ship on 47', and substitute Marcus Rashford finished it off in the 85th. England top Group L with all the momentum behind Thomas Tuchel's side, while Croatia — twice level and still beaten — face an early must-win situation to keep their World Cup alive.