England got their World Cup Finals 2026 underway with a 4-2 win over Croatia on Wednesday night in Dallas.
Thomas Tuchel’s side showed their intent from the whistle as they produced some of the best football from an England team in some time.
It was fun and exciting stuff, according to some pundits. And it got even better when Harry Kane, who else, fired England in front from the penalty spot with a little over ten minutes played. It took two attempts though. Croatia’s keeper Livakovic had moved off his line in stopping Kane’s spot kick. Take it again said referee Clement Turpin. Not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, Kane drilled the retake into the corner of the net. England 1 up and looking so so comfortable.
That air of comfort was snuffed out late in the half when Croatia levelled when Martin Baturina sent a powerful drive high past Jordan Pickford.
England did not panic and minutes before the break they restored their lead when Kane soared above the Croatian defence to head past Kivakovic. Joy for England’s travelling supporters was short-lived as Croatia once again drew level, seconds before half-time, Petar Musa guided Ivan Perisic’s header beyond Pickford.
2-2 at the break but Tucel was waiting with some choice words about England’s defending.
Whatever he said, it worked. Minutes into the second half Jude Bellingham restored England’s lead and with five minutes left on the clock, Marcus Rashford sealed the win with England’s fourth.
A fine performance from England but concerns about their defence will have to be sorted before their next game against Ghana on Tuesday.
