Tuchel's England begin with a win: 4-2

In 2026 FIFA World Cup Group L, Thomas Tuchel's England beat Croatia 4-2 to begin their campaign with a win. At the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, in a game billed as a rematch of the 2018 semifinal, two-goal Harry Kane left his mark.

The goal-filled first half ended 2-2. England led in the 12th minute through a Kane penalty, but Martin Baturina (Sučić assist) equalised in the 36th. In the 42nd, Kane scored his second from a Declan Rice assist to make it 2-1, before Croatia levelled again at 2-2 in the 45+5th through Petar Musa from an Ivan Perišić cross.

England started the second half very fast and went ahead in the 47th minute: from an Elliot Anderson assist, Jude Bellingham made it 3-2. Holding the lead and keeping up the pressure, England settled it in the 85th minute: from a Bukayo Saka assist, substitute Marcus Rashford found the net to make it 4-2.

The statistics underlined England's clear superiority. Tuchel's side finished ahead on expected goals (xG) 2.79 to 0.72, had 22 shots and led on big chances 7-2. Croatia resisted well in the first half but could not match England's tempo after the break.

Refereed by France's Clément Turpin, the match saw England take all three points for a strong start to the group. Among the strongest title contenders, Tuchel's side passed their first big test. Captain Kane, meanwhile, laid down an early marker in the Golden Boot race.

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