Harry Kane equalled England’s all-time World Cup scoring record with a two-goal performance as the Three Lions secured an entertaining 4-2 victory over Croatia in their opening Group L match on Wednesday.
The Bayern Munich striker took his World Cup tally to 10 goals, matching the mark set by Gary Lineker across the 1986 and 1990 tournaments. England also benefited from goals by Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford to claim all three points in a high-tempo contest.
The meeting revived memories of the 2018 World Cup semifinal, where Croatia emerged victorious, but this time England had the final say.
Kane opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Luka Modric brought down Noni Madueke inside the area. Although Dominik Livakovic initially saved the effort, a VAR review ruled the Croatian goalkeeper had moved off his line prematurely, allowing Kane to convert the retaken penalty.
Croatia responded through Martin Baturina, who levelled the score with a well-placed finish in the 36th minute. Kane then restored England’s advantage with a towering header from a Declan Rice corner, only for Petar Musa to equalise again just before halftime.
England regained control almost immediately after the restart. Two minutes into the second half, Jude Bellingham raced onto a long pass from Elliot Anderson and calmly finished past Livakovic to make it 3-2.
The Real Madrid midfielder continued to threaten as England dominated much of the second half, though Livakovic produced several important saves to keep Croatia in contention.
Rashford eventually put the result beyond doubt in the 85th minute. After receiving a pass from Bukayo Saka, he worked space inside the box and finished confidently for England’s fourth goal.
England manager Thomas Tuchel praised his players’ response after Croatia’s late first-half equaliser, while Kane revealed the squad had been urged to play with confidence and bravery after the break.
The victory gives England an ideal start to their World Cup campaign. Croatia, meanwhile, saw captain Luka Modric become the first Croatian player to appear in five World Cups, though the milestone came in defeat.
England will next face Ghana, while Croatia prepare to take on Panama in their second group-stage fixture.
