ARLINGTON, Texas : Harry Kane scored twice to equal Gary Lineker’s England World Cup goalscoring record as the Three Lions overcame Croatia 4-2 in an entertaining Group L clash on Wednesday to make a winning start to their campaign.
In a match that rekindled memories of Croatia’s extra-time victory over England in the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, Gareth Southgate’s side were repeatedly tested before second-half goals from Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford secured the points.
Kane’s brace took his World Cup tally to 10 goals, drawing him level with former striker Lineker as England emerged victorious from a contest that swung back and forth throughout.
England struck first in the 12th minute when Kane converted a penalty after Noni Madueke was brought down by Croatia captain Luka Modric inside the area.
Although goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic saved Kane’s initial effort, the penalty was retaken after the Croatian was adjudged to have moved off his line early. Kane made no mistake with the second attempt, sending Livakovic the wrong way.
Croatia responded strongly and levelled in the 36th minute through Martin Baturina, whose powerful strike found the corner despite Jordan Pickford getting a hand to the ball.
The goal ended England’s run of 10 consecutive clean sheets in competitive matches.
England restored their lead six minutes later when Kane struck again, moving level with Lineker’s long-standing World Cup scoring mark and giving the Three Lions a 2-1 halftime advantage.
Croatia again fought back after the break, but England’s greater attacking quality ultimately proved decisive.
Bellingham put England ahead for a third time in the 47th minute with a trademark driving run from the right before calmly guiding his finish across goal and in off the post.
The Real Madrid midfielder celebrated by spreading his arms wide before later explaining his commitment to the national team.
“It’s my responsibility to the team and to my country to give everything I have when I cross the line and wear that badge on the front, wear that number 10 on the back,” Bellingham said.
Croatia continued to push for another equaliser but England sealed victory five minutes from time when substitute Bukayo Saka set up fellow replacement Marcus Rashford, who finished confidently to make it 4-2.
The result gives England an early advantage in Group L and provides further evidence of their attacking depth heading deeper into the tournament.
England next face Ghana in Boston before concluding their group-stage campaign against Panama, while Croatia will need a positive result in their next outing to revive their qualification hopes.
