England's Harry Kane sets the tone in World Cup opener vs Croatia

ARLINGTON, TX – Oasis’ “Wonderwall” bellowed throughout Dallas Stadium as Harry Kane and England shared the celebratory moment after their 4-2 win over Croatia to open their slate at the 2026 World Cup.

Kane, England’s captain and stalwart, received an ovation from Three Lions fans after a tone-setting performance in the win. His first-half brace, which included an early penalty kick goal and a header off the boot of Declan Rice’s corner kick, led the way for England’s fast-paced offensive win.

But even more important than the Bayern Munich star’s two first-half goals was perhaps his commitment late in the match. With the game out of hand in extra minutes, Kane sacrificed his body and made a brilliant defensive play to save a goal in the 94th minute.

It certainly stood out to manager Thomas Tuchel, making his World Cup debut after being hired by England in 2024.

“The commitment of our captain, our No. 9, 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.”

England and Croatia were tied at 2-2 at halftime in a complicated first half that saw England largely dominate possession. Croatia quickly tied the game at 1-1 on a goal from Martin Baturina in the 36th minute, before England regained the lead on a Kane goal in the 42nd minute. Croatia then tied the score again in the final moments of the half on a strike from Peter Musa, an FC Dallas forward playing near his club home.

England came out of the half, though, pressing Croatia offensively, which was ultimately the difference in the match. Jude Bellingham gave England back the lead in the 47th minute, and it nearly scored numerous other times in the following few minutes, if it weren’t for Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic’s triple save in the 55th minute.

England finished with 11 shots on goal, along with 20 attempts inside the box. 

“I loved the reaction after halftime,” Tuchel said. “We encouraged them to go for it, encouraged them to be brave, to be ourselves. We created a lot of chances.”

England extended the lead on a Marcus Rashford nasty cut-back goal off an assist from fellow substitute Bukayo Saka. The two forwards came on for Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke, respectively, and provided a late boost to the attack.

It was a feel-good moment for England fans, with the uncertainty surrounding Rashford’s club status for next season. The 28-year-old was on loan to both Aston Villa and Barcelona in 2025 and 2026 from Manchester United, and another move could be on the horizon.

“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.”

Ultimately, it was a mission accomplished for England, earning three points in a tough Group L draw against an experienced Croatian team coming off a third-place finish at the 2022 World Cup and a runner-up finish in 2018, along with upcoming matches against Ghana and Panama.

But with Kane in top form and an attack as polished as it was in the second half, England is poised for a deep run.

"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.”