England got their 2026 World Cup off to the perfect start, seeing off a stubborn Croatia side 4-2 in a breathless Group L encounter in Dallas. Thomas Tuchel's team showed plenty going forward but enough defensive fragility to keep the result in doubt until the closing stages.
Harry Kane set England on their way after 12 minutes from the penalty spot, although the captain had to take his effort twice. Luka Modric's mistimed challenge on Noni Madueke handed England the chance, and while Dominik Livakovic kept out Kane's first attempt, the goalkeeper was judged to have come off his line too early. Kane made no mistake at the second time of asking.
Croatia, never a side to be taken lightly, hauled themselves level on 36 minutes. Martin Baturina struck a fierce drive that flew past Jordan Pickford, who got a hand to the ball but could not keep it out.
Kane, predictably, had England back in front three minutes before the interval, powering in a header from Declan Rice's corner. The goal carried added significance, drawing him alongside Gary Lineker on 10 World Cup goals and registering his 81st strike in 115 appearances for his country.
England's lead lasted only moments. With half-time approaching, Croatia equalised again through a well-constructed move, Petar Musa guiding Ivan Perisic's header beyond Pickford to send the sides in level at 2-2.
Whatever Tuchel said at the break clearly worked. Jude Bellingham, preferred to Morgan Rogers in the starting eleven, justified the decision in emphatic fashion, surging forward and finishing confidently to restore England's advantage early in the second half. The midfielder's display underlined exactly why he had been entrusted with the role.
England poured forward in search of a fourth and Croatia, under sustained pressure, somehow held firm for long spells. The decisive blow eventually arrived five minutes from time when substitute Marcus Rashford slotted home with a cool, composed finish to settle any remaining nerves and seal the points.
Tuchel left with plenty to ponder
There was much for Tuchel to enjoy, not least the value of opening a major tournament with three points and the confidence that brings. Yet the head coach will be under no illusions about the work still required. England were a genuine threat in attack, particularly during a spell after the break when Bellingham struck and Croatia clung on through wave after wave of pressure.
Kane's brace put him among the early Golden Boot contenders alongside Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland, while Bellingham's all-action showing was capped by a fine goal. The concern lies at the other end. Croatia's two goals both carried an air of avoidability, and Tuchel will want a tighter, more assured defensive structure as the tournament progresses. On the day, though, the win was thoroughly deserved and the scoreline a fair reflection of England's overall superiority.
A chastening afternoon for Modric
For Croatia, the match brought a difficult day for the evergreen Modric. The 40-year-old has illuminated so many World Cups, reaching the 2018 final in Russia and the semi-finals in Qatar four years later, but this was not among his finest outings. His mistimed tackle gifted England their early penalty, and he was withdrawn after 58 minutes as the game slipped away.
Modric will remain central to whatever Croatia achieve at this tournament, with Zlatko Dalic's side renowned for their knack of going deep. They will need to dust themselves down quickly, though there were few grounds for complaint about the outcome.
What comes next?
England travel to Boston to face Ghana on Tuesday (21:00 BST), while Croatia look to bounce back against Panama three hours later (00:00 BST).