Despite a close start, England managed to defeat Croatia 4–2, securing its first victory in the 2026 World Cup. Harry Kane scored a historic two-goal performance, with Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford rounding out the scoring. Following an unbeaten run in the UEFA qualifiers, England arrive as clear favorites to win the 2026 World Cup. In their debut, they defeated Croatia with a brilliant offense and high press. While Zlatko Dalić’s team seemed to dominate the game, Luka Modrić’s foul reshaped it, as Harry Kane’s first goal completely transformed Croatia’s approach. With a brilliant performance, the 32-year-old striker netted a historic brace. Croatia managed to impose their high press and dominance in the opening minutes. In fact, they were suffocating England, constantly limiting them. Despite this, Luka Modrić committed a foul on Noni Madueke, which led to Harry Kane’s penalty goal. After this goal, they dropped back noticeably, looking completely inferior. Although Martin Baturina and Petar Musa scored, they were never able to go toe-to-toe with their opponents again. Despite battling for a few minutes, England imposed clearly on Croatia. After pressing high throughout the match, they limited Croatia’s counterattacks, creating numerous chances to score. After Kane’s second goal, they managed to win the match. Although their opponents equalized, they overturned the result through Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford, imposing their brilliant offense. Harry Kane brace sees him tie Gary Lineker’s World Cup record Throughout the match, Harry Kane remained an all-around player, being a key figure in the build-up and dropping back into defense, just as he does at Bayern Munich. Confusing Croatia with his movements, he managed to score a historic brace that led him to equal a record held by the legend Gary Lineker in World Cup history, matching 10 goals in 12 matches to become the English players with the most goals in the competition. Most World Cup goals for England:10 — Harry Kane10 — Gary Lineker pic.twitter.com/rTP1ZIzZdd— StatMuse FC (@statmusefc) June 17, 2026 After an efficient counterattack, Noni Madueke dribbled past his opponents and entered Croatia’s penalty area. As a result, Luka Modrić fouled him inside the box, and the referee awarded the penalty. Harry Kane took the shot, which was saved by Dominik Livaković. Despite this, the kick was retaken because the goalkeeper had come off his line. On his second attempt, he managed to score the penalty, giving England the lead. Harry Kane's initial penalty was retaken after review.He did not miss the second. 🎯 pic.twitter.com/sgUndfAuB1— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 17, 2026 Taking advantage of their strength from corner kicks, Declan Rice delivered a precise cross into the box. With no Croatian player marking him, Harry Kane made a run into the area and powered a header past Dominik Livaković. With this, he established as England’s top scorer with 80 goals, holding a wide advantage over Wayne Rooney, who is in second place. HARRY KANE BAGS A BRACE! 🏴2 goals in an incredible start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the England captain pic.twitter.com/4ThDwnGFJ2— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 17, 2026