* Thomas Tuchel’s side demonstrated strength in attack and frailty in defence, but possessed the firepower
* Croatia, always dangerous opponents, came from behind twice to level the scores before succumbing to relentless England attacks
By Phil McNulty, BBC Sport
England made a winning start to their FIFA World Cup™ 2026 campaign as they overpowered Croatia in a 4-2 thriller in Dallas as Thomas Tuchel’s side demonstrated strength in attack and frailty in defence, but possessed the firepower to finally overcome their opponents and set the platform for progress in Group L.
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Harry Kane put England ahead on 12 minutes with a twice taken spot-kick after Luka Modric fouled Noni Madueke, Croatia keeper Dominik Livakovic saving his first attempt but penalised for encroaching off his goalline.
Croatia, always dangerous opponents, were level after 36 minutes when Martin Baturina sent a powerful drive high past Jordan Pickford, who got a touch but could not keep the ball out.
Kane, inevitably, restored England’s lead three minutes before the break with a powerful header from Declan Rice’s corner, bringing him level with Gary Lineker on 10 World Cup goals, his 81st in 115 England appearances.
England, however, never looked at ease defensively, Croatia equalising again with a well-worked goal seconds before half-time, Petar Musa steering Ivan Perisic’s header beyond Pickford.
Jude Bellingham showed exactly why Tuchel selected him ahead of Morgan Rogers with a powerful run and finish moments after the break as the Three Lions established control once more.
Marcus Rashford, on as a substitute, ended any lingering concerns with a composed finish five minutes from time as England move on to face Ghana-who-beat-Panana-in-Boston.
Tuchel will be delighted at starting the World Cup with a victory, so vital for confidence at any major tournament. He will, however, know there is work to do despite an impressive win and a scoreline that was a fair reflection of their superiority, especially in the second half.
England were potent in attack, particularly for a spell after the break when Bellingham scored and Croatia somehow held out during a period of intense pressure.
Kane joined Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland in making an early pitch for the Golden Boot, while Bellingham gave a powerhouse display he embellished with a fine goal.
It was in defence, however, where Tuchel will feel there must be improvements as Croatia scored two goals that could have been avoided.
In the end, though, it was the three points that mattered and England fully merited their win.
Group stage results
Group A
Mexico 2-0 South Africa
South Korea 2-1 Czechia
Group B
Canada 1-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Qatar 1-1 Switzerland
Group C
Brazil 1-1 Morocco
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
Group D
USA 4-1 Paraguay
Australia 2-0 Turkiye
Group E
Côte d’Ivoire 1-0 Ecuador
Germany 7-1 Curacao
Group F
Netherlands 2-2 Japan
Sweden 5-1 Tunisia
Group G
Belgium 1-1 Egypt
Iran 2-2 New Zealand
Group H
Spain 0-0 Cape Verde
Saudi Arabia 1-1 Uruguay
Group I
France 3-1 Senegal
Iraq 1-4 Norway
Group J
Argentina 3-0 Algeria
Austria 3-1 Jordan
Group K
Portugal 1-1 DR Congo
Uzbekistan 1-3 Colombia
Group L
England 4-2 Croatia
Ghana 1-0 Panama
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