England edged Croatia 4-2 in a World Cup group match that felt like a fireworks display. Harry Kane struck twice, the first a penalty that crossed the line after a video review, the second a header from a Rice corner. Jude Bellingham added a goal in the second half, while Marcus Rashford capped the effort.

The score levelled at 1-1 when Petar Musa netted a late header, but England regrouped. A second‑half surge saw Kane double the lead, Bellingham’s shot finding the net, and Rashford’s late strike pushing the advantage to 4-2. The victory ended Croatia’s six‑match unbeaten run, which stretched back to 2014, in the opening minutes of the group.

Kane’s second goal tied his tally of 10 World Cup goals, matching Lineker’s record from 1986 and 1990. He also became only the second Englishman, after David Beckham, to score in three World Cups. The win places England at the top of Group L, while Croatia falls to third.

With the win, England secures a place in the knockout stage and carries momentum into their Tuesday match with Ghana in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Croatia will face Panama in Toronto, hoping to rebound after a 2-1 loss to Panama earlier. Both teams will look to regroup before the last group fixture for the season ahead this.