England beat Croatia 4-2 to open World Cup 2026 campaign
What's new: Harry Kane scored twice, including a retaken penalty, and Jude Bellingham put England ahead 3-2.
England opened their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 4-2 win over Croatia in a six-goal match in the United States. Harry Kane scored twice for England, first from a retaken first-half penalty and later with a header from a Declan Rice set piece. Jude Bellingham also scored, while Noni Madueke emerged as England's most dangerous attacker and won the penalty. Jordan Pickford struggled at times and England's new-look back four conceded twice, with John Stones and Ezri Konsa showing signs of an unfamiliar partnership. The result gives Thomas Tuchel a winning start in the tournament despite defensive lapses.