FIFA WC 2026: Kane double, Bellingham and Rashford power England to 4-2 win over Croatia

Arlington: Harry Kane scored twice and second-half goals from Jude Bellingham and substitute Marcus Rashford secured a 4-2 victory for England over Croatia in Group L of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Dallas Stadium on Thursday (IST).

The first half was frantic, producing four goals. Kane put England ahead twice from open play and a penalty, while Croatia replied through Martin Baturina and Petar Musa. England pulled clear after the interval with strikes from Bellingham and Rashford.

Kane’s penalty marked a World Cup record for most penalties scored in regular play (excluding shootouts), taking his tally to five.

Croatia began the match strongly, with Josip Šutalo creating a dangerous opening from an early corner that required Declan Rice to block a low cross. England’s first significant chance came when Noni Madueke drove down the right and set up Kane, whose turn-and-shot was deflected wide.

From the resulting corner, Madueke was fouled by Luka Modrić as he reacted quickest to a bouncing ball. Kane’s initial penalty was saved by Dominik Livaković, but an encroachment by Joško Gvardiol forced a retake. Kane scored from the second attempt in the 12th minute.

Croatia responded and levelled through Martin Baturina, whose right-foot finish beat Jordan Pickford after an opportunistic run. England regained the lead from a corner when Kane, unmarked, headed in. In stoppage time before half, Ivan Perišić set up Petar Musa to make it 2-2.

England emerged from the break more dominant. Within two minutes Jude Bellingham drove into the box and curled a shot into the far corner to restore England’s lead. England pressed for a fourth — Bellingham tested Livaković and Nico O’Reilly headed narrowly wide — while Rice and others forced several saves, including a strong triple stop by the Croatian goalkeeper.

Croatia remained a threat, with Pickford making a crucial save from Marko Pašalić about 15 minutes from time. Substitute Djed Spence produced a lively run, but it was Marcus Rashford who sealed the win after being released in space, cutting inside and sliding the ball past Livaković to make it 4-2.

England finished the match with the three points and a confident performance in the second half.

(Inputs from IANS)