England opened their World Cup campaign in Dallas with a 4-2 victory over Croatia, thanks to a brace from Harry Kane and goals from Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford. The hosts led 2-2 at the break before pulling ahead in the second half. Kane’s double lifted England to three points and a strong start in Group B.

Captain Kane admitted the first half felt “disappointing” after conceding twice, but praised Tuchel’s halftime speech for reigniting belief. He said the side shifted from protecting a result to attacking, a change that sparked the surge in the latter stages. Kane emphasized the squad’s unity and leadership.

At halftime Thomas Tuchel delivered a blunt team talk, warning that a loss would be a loss “in our way.” Assistant Anthony Barry called the first half “fearful” and cited nervous energy, misplaced passes and a reluctance to press. Tuchel urged the side to increase tempo, play man‑for‑man and abandon the defensive mindset.

Bellingham struck two minutes after the restart, making it 3-2, and Rashford’s second‑half goal sealed the win. Tuchel praised the team’s maturity and said the performance set a tone for the tournament, despite a distracting wall of photographers during the anthem. England now sit top of Group B with a goal‑difference advantage.