"Champagne Supernova!": Harry Kane's brace leads England to a brilliant World Cup opener against Croatia

The Three Lions made a statement on their opening game by scoring four past a resilient Croatian side. (Image credits – Heute; licence details.) 

England kicked off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in style, defeating Croatia 4-2 and gaining three valuable points to take an early lead in the race for qualification to the next round.

Croatia rallied twice in the first half following Harry Kane's brace, but goals from Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford sealed a thrilling and hard-fought victory in the second half.

Thomas Tuchel's side was awarded a penalty in the ninth minute after Luka Modric brought down Noni Madueke while attempting to clear the ball from the box. Kane took the penalty, but Livakovic saved it, forcing the penalty to be retaken after Josko Gvardiol and the custodian were off their lines.

The England captain made no mistake with his second attempt, burying it in the back of the net. However, Zlatko Dalic's side equalised when Martin Baturina curled his shot past Pickford.

England took the lead again when Kane was left unmarked during a corner, rising highest in the crowd to nod Declan Rice's in-swinging cross into the net. Croatia tied the game again in the first half injury time when Petar Musa volleyed a thunderous strike into the goal.

Tuchel's team took the lead for the third time in the game when Bellingham raced down the wing and fired past the helpless Livakovic. Rashford sealed the tie late in the game after Croatia committed numbers forward and were hit on a quick counterattack.

Many questioned whether this English team could finally end their long wait for cutlery and 'bring football home' as they entered the World Cup this year. Their performance against Croatia provided plenty of reasons to consider them firm favourites, as they possessed everything from mental fortitude and belief to pace, creativity, and clinical finishing in front of goal.

England started the game brightly, and their desire to win was evident from the first minute. Their aggressive pressing and quick movement from the wing caused Croatia a lot of problems, allowing them to control possession.

Croatia, the 2018 World Cup finalists and 2022 World Cup semi-finalists, demonstrated their talent and mental toughness but fell short due to a lack of creativity in the final third. This was one of the most entertaining and thrilling group stage games in the World Cup to date.

Both teams will aim to gradually improve their defensive performances throughout the tournament, as neither appeared sharp enough to win a title like the World Cup. This result marks Thomas Tuchel's strong start to the tournament and will provide him with great relief.

However, the German manager must address the team's defensive issues, as they have yet to face elite opponents who could cause more trouble up front. However, one thing is certain: England has goals, and even in adversity, they have the bench strength to replace them and change the game.

With Ghana defeating Panama in Group L, England has risen to the top of the group and will hope to remain there until the group stage round is completed.

Harry Kane's brace equalled Gary Lineker's World Cup record for most goals scored by an English player (10). The England captain is also only the second player to have scored for the national team in three different World Cup tournaments (2018, 2022, and 2026).

Overall, the English team would be pleased to have defeated Croatia, and they have easier games against Ghana and Panama. England's road to the World Cup final remains long, but the Three Lions' performance has sent a clear message that they have arrived and are ready to dismantle any opposition.