England kicked off their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a dramatic 4-2 victory over Croatia in a match packed with momentum swings, emerging young stars and record-breaking moments.
While Harry Kane equalled Gary Lineker's World Cup scoring record for England, it was the impact of players such as Noni Madueke, Jude Bellingham and Nico O'Reilly that highlighted why many believe the Three Lions possess one of the most exciting young squads in the tournament.
Madueke's Fearless Start Wins England A Penalty
It started with a corner. Reece James' delivery caused chaos, and as Noni Madueke attacked the ball, Luka Modric tried to hook the ball clear and caught the Chelsea winger in the midriff. The referee pointed straight to the spot.
Madueke, 23 and making his World Cup debut, showed no hesitation. He attacked the situation aggressively, forcing Modric into a mistake and winning the penalty. For a player appearing in his first tournament match, it was a moment that reflected both confidence and conviction.
Baturina Punishes England With Moment Of Magic
For the next twenty minutes, England controlled the game without truly threatening to add to their lead. Croatia sat deeper than expected, content to soak up pressure and break on the counter through Modric and Petar Sucic.
Then Petar Sucic found Martin Baturina with a clever pass into space outside the box. Baturina didn't need a second invitation. He drilled a right-footed strike into the top corner, beating Jordan Pickford despite a strong hand from the England goalkeeper.
It was Croatia's first shot from open play in the entire match. The goal meant more than just an equaliser. At 23, Baturina has emerged as one of Croatia's key players since qualifying, and his finish reflected the confidence that has made him such an important part of the squad.
From Croatia's first meaningful opening of the match, he produced a moment of quality that completely changed the game's momentum.
Kane Restores The Lead Before Croatia Strike Again
England responded almost immediately. Declan Rice whipped in an outswinging corner that found Kane unmarked at the back post. The England captain rose highest and powered his header into the net for his second goal of the afternoon and the 10th of his World Cup career, drawing him level with Gary Lineker as England's joint-highest scorer in World Cup history.
For a moment, it looked as though England would head into the break firmly in control. Croatia, however, had other ideas.
Deep into first-half stoppage time, Mario Pasalic clipped a ball over the England backline. Ivan Perisic, timing his run to stay just onside, cushioned a header into the path of Petar Musa.
The Croatia striker didn't need to be asked twice, volleying confidently past Pickford to make it 2-2 with virtually the last action of the half.
It was a brutal way for England to lose control of a half they had statistically dominated, finishing the opening 45 minutes with an xG figure of 1.36 compared to Croatia's 0.43.
Bellingham Sparks England's Second-Half Response
Whatever Thomas Tuchel said at half-time worked instantly. The three lions came out after the break with far more urgency than they showed in the closing stages of the first half, and it took barely a minute for that intent to pay off.
From the restart, England moved the ball quicker and pushed Croatia deeper. Within seconds, a sharp attacking sequence forced the breakthrough that changed the tone of the game.
Elliot Anderson, who had quietly controlled large parts of the midfield, drove a pass down the right that found Jude Bellingham. The Real Madrid midfielder took it in stride, burst into the box, and curled a shot off the inside of the post and in. England were back in front, 3-2, just minutes into the second half.
England's Young Stars Continue To Impress
England didn’t sit on their lead. Within minutes, they were back in the Croatia box searching for a fourth.
Declan Rice, who had been England’s most dangerous set-piece threat, delivered another inswinging corner. Nico O’Reilly, the 21-year-old left-back tipped before kickoff as one of England’s breakout players, rose highest and powered a header towards goal.
Dominik Livakovic produced a sharp reflex save, and when the rebound fell to Anthony Gordon, his follow-up was also kept out by the Croatia goalkeeper.
Rashford Finishes The Job
With the game still finely poised at 3-2 deep into the second half, Thomas Tuchel turned to his bench. Bukayo Saka replaced Noni Madueke, and Marcus Rashford came on for Anthony Gordon. The impact was immediate. In the 85th minute, Saka found Rashford with a precise pass and the forward finished calmly to make it 4-2.
It was the goal that finally put the result beyond Croatia’s reach. Zlatko Dalic’s side turned to Nikola Vlasic and Andrej Kramaric in search of a way back, but England’s defence, reinforced late on with Marc Guehi alongside John Stones, stood firm until the final whistle.
