England thrash Croatia in six-goal thriller

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

England launched their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with an entertaining 4-2 victory over Croatia on Wednesday night, overcoming a spirited challenge from the 2018 World Cup finalists in a pulsating Group L encounter.

The Three Lions, led by German manager Thomas Tuchel, twice surrendered the lead before second-half goals from Jude Bellingham and substitute Marcus Rashford secured all three points in front of a crowd of 70,389 spectators.

Captain Harry Kane set the tone for England’s evening after earning an early penalty. Although his initial spot-kick was saved by Dominik Livakovic, the striker was ordered to retake the penalty and made no mistake with his second attempt, firing England ahead in the 12th minute.

The lead, however, lasted only until the 36th minute when Martin Baturina capitalised on a defensive lapse to draw Croatia level.

England responded six minutes later as Kane rose highest to meet a Declan Rice corner, powering home a header for his second goal of the night.

Croatia refused to back down and struck again on the stroke of halftime. Ivan Perisic’s cross found Petar Musa, who bundled the ball home from close range to send the teams into the break locked at 2-2.

With memories of previous World Cup disappointments against Croatia still lingering, England emerged from the interval with renewed urgency. Just two minutes into the second half, Bellingham produced a moment of brilliance, weaving into the penalty area before drilling a shot in off the post to restore England’s advantage.

The goal shifted momentum firmly in England’s favour. The Three Lions created a host of opportunities, with Livakovic producing several fine saves to deny Kane, Bellingham and Anthony Gordon as Croatia struggled to contain England’s attacking pressure.

Croatia continued to threaten on the counterattack and came close to equalising on several occasions, forcing Jordan Pickford into important saves while seeing a late effort cleared off the goal line.

England finally put the contest beyond doubt five minutes from time when Bukayo Saka, introduced from the bench, teed up Marcus Rashford for a composed finish from close range to make it 4-2.

The victory gives England an ideal start in Group L and strengthens belief that Tuchel’s side can mount a serious challenge for a first World Cup title since 1966.

For Croatia, despite the defeat, there were encouraging signs that they remain capable of troubling any opponent in the tournament.

England will next face Ghana, while Croatia take on Panama in matches that could prove decisive in the race for a place in the knockout stages.