England made a statement on Wednesday night as they launched their World Cup campaign in emphatic fashion, defeating Croatia 4-2 in a pulsating Group L opener at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas. In what proved to be a breathless, free-flowing contest, Thomas Tuchel’s side showed both their attacking brilliance and their defensive vulnerabilities, but ultimately had enough quality to see off a resilient Croatia side that twice fought back to level the score.
Captain Harry Kane was once again the focal point of England’s attack, scoring twice in the first half to put the Three Lions in command and in the process equalling Gary Lineker’s record of ten World Cup goals for England. His first came from the penalty spot after Luka Modric, appearing in his fifth World Cup at the age of 40, caught Noni Madueke in the thigh. In a dramatic twist, Dominik Livakovic saved Kane’s initial effort, but the goalkeeper was adjudged to have moved off his line too early. A retake was ordered, and Kane made no mistake the second time, coolly sending Livakovic the wrong way.
Croatia, however, refused to be rattled. Playing in front of a crowd packed with their famous red-and-white chequered support, they drew level in the 36th minute through a sensational effort from Martin Baturina, who struck a ferocious shot from the edge of the box following a slip from John Stones. England restored their lead before half-time when Kane met Declan Rice’s inviting corner with a clinical, unmarked header.
Despite their attacking intent, England’s backline remained susceptible. In a breathless end to the first half, Croatia struck again in stoppage time through Petar Musa, who plays his club football for FC Dallas just 40 miles from the World Cup venue. Ivan Perisic’s headed pass found the striker, who poked home from close range to send the sides into the interval level at 2-2. It was a gut-punch for England and a clear signal that defensive improvements would be necessary if they were to progress deep into the World Cup.
Tuchel clearly delivered a stern message at half-time, and England emerged with renewed purpose and intensity. Within two minutes of the restart, Jude Bellingham emphatically answered his critics. Receiving a through pass, he drove at the Croatian defense with characteristic determination before unleashing a low, precise strike that nestled into the far corner. England were back in front, and this time they would not relinquish their lead.
The Three Lions then laid siege to the Croatian goal, with Livakovic performing heroics to keep his side in the game. The Croatian goalkeeper made a string of outstanding saves, denying Nico O’Reilly, Anthony Gordon, and Ezri Konsa in quick succession as England poured forward in search of a decisive fourth. Croatia midfielder Luka Modric, who had been a commanding presence in previous meetings with England, was subbed off in the 58th minute after struggling to impose himself.
The fourth and final goal arrived in the 85th minute, sealing England’s first World Cup win with a moment of genuine class. Substitute Bukayo Saka combined brilliantly with fellow substitute Marcus Rashford, who drove into the box and finished with composure to make it 4-2. It was a fitting conclusion to a match that had everything. England now sits atop Group L with three points and will face Ghana in Foxborough, Massachusetts, next Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Tuchel was candid in his post-match assessment, acknowledging that the defensive display in the first half left much to be desired, but praising his players’ character in the second half. England fans will take enormous encouragement from the attacking display, even as questions remain at the back. For now, though, the World Cup dream is alive, and it started in Dallas with a statement victory.
