Kane’s late – Harry Kane scored twice as England opened the 2026 World Cup with a 4-2 win over Croatia, then added a last-ditch defensive moment in extra time that impressed manager Thomas Tuchel. The captain’s performance set the tone as England chased a perfect start in G
ARLINGTON, Texas — “Wonderwall” rolled through Dallas Stadium as Harry Kane and England celebrated a World Cup opening that looked like a statement and felt like a turning point.
England beat Croatia 4-2 to kick off their 2026 campaign. with Kane leading the way using a first-half burst that included an early penalty and a header off the boot of Declan Rice’s corner kick. For the Three Lions fans, it wasn’t just the goals. It was the sense that their captain was fully switched on.
Kane. England’s captain. received an ovation after a tone-setting performance. and Tuchel — making his World Cup debut after being hired by England in 2024 — made it clear the late moment mattered as much as the early dominance. With the game out of hand in extra minutes. Kane sacrificed his body and made a defensive play to prevent a goal in the 94th minute.
“He took responsibility in extra time to block a crucial shot on set piece with all his body to buy into a defensive action like this. says everything about his performance today. ” Tuchel said. “Complete performance, absolute leader and he’s all in. He’s all in physically, he’s all in mentally and he’s the full package at the moment.”.
The match itself delivered the kind of first half that rarely settles into a rhythm. England and Croatia were tied 2-2 at halftime despite England largely dominating possession. Croatia pulled level at 1-1 in the 36th minute through a goal by Martin Baturina. England regained the lead on a Kane strike in the 42nd minute. Then Croatia equalized again before the break. with Peter Musa scoring in the final moments — Musa an FC Dallas forward playing close to his club home.
England pressed offensively after halftime, and that change helped tip the balance. Jude Bellingham gave England the lead again in the 47th minute. England kept pushing and nearly scored repeatedly in the following stretch. but Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic delivered a triple save in the 55th minute to keep the scoreline from slipping further.
England finished with 11 shots on goal and 20 attempts inside the box. Tuchel pointed to the response after halftime, saying his team encouraged bravery and a direct approach.
England extended their advantage with a Marcus Rashford goal. The score came from a nasty cut-back, assisted by Bukayo Saka. Rashford and Saka entered as substitutes — Rashford for Anthony Gordon and Saka for Noni Madueke — and their late impact gave the attack a fresh surge.
For England supporters, the goal also landed with an extra emotional edge. Rashford’s club status beyond the next season carries uncertainty. The 28-year-old has been on loan to both Aston Villa and Barcelona in 2025 and 2026 from Manchester United, and another move could be on the horizon.
Tuchel framed Rashford’s mindset as steady even amid the off-field uncertainty.
“Every time he was in camp I saw a very calm, very open-minded Marcus,” Tuchel said. “Who always played his very best. The last 17 days, that hasn’t changed. His attitude hasn’t changed.”
England’s win also carried the weight of context inside Group L. The victory delivered three points against an experienced Croatian side coming off a third-place finish at the 2022 World Cup and a runner-up showing in 2018. The next steps are already locked in: England face Ghana and Panama next.
Afterward, Kane put his performance in personal terms, emphasizing timing and confidence.
“The goals I’ve scored this year are at the highest level I’ve ever had in my career. ” Kane said. “I feel like the peak of my power is at the right time. Of course there’s a long way to go, A lot of tough games ahead. But for me, personally, I enjoy being out there. I enjoy being on the pitch when I’m feeling in this form.”.
In the end, England’s opener wasn’t only about scoring first. It was about how their captain responded when the game demanded something different — the kind of late, physical commitment Tuchel described as leadership, in full view, right when it counted.
Harry Kane England Croatia World Cup 2026 Thomas Tuchel Declan Rice Jude Bellingham Dominik Livakovic Marcus Rashford Bukayo Saka Group L Ghana Panama