Harry Kane leads England to 4-2 win over Croatia with historic brace at 2026 World Cup

That brings us to the end of our live blog coverage of England's 4-2 victory over Croatia. We’ll be back soon with more coverage.

Despite a closely contested start, England managed to consistently dominate Croatia. By pressing high up the field, they turned their poor start around, controlling the game and creating the clearest scoring chances. After Harry Kane’s two goals, Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford scored to secure the victory for their team. In addition, they prevented their opponents from launching quick counterattacks, limiting any scoring opportunities.

Although Croatia managed to dominate in the opening minutes, they were completely thrown off their game after Luka Modric’s foul that led to Kane’s goal. After that, they retreated into a defensive strategy. While they tied the game in the first half, England capitalized on their possession with two brilliant goals that dashed any hopes of a comeback. However, what hurt them most was their lack of aggressiveness on the counterattack, which left them quite limited in their play.

England take John Stones off, getting Marc Guehi on field.

Following the substitutions, Croatia have created more scoring chances. In addition, they have gained more ground, putting pressure on England and preventing them from breaking out of their own area. By relying on long-range shots, they are constantly trying to tie the game.

After a great collective play, Bukayoo Saka makes a great pass to Marcus Rashford. With a masterclass, he pauses, controls and launches a great shoot to score his first goal in the 2026 World Cup

Croatia have taken Mario Pasalic and Martin Baturina off. In their place, Andrek Kramaric and Nikola Vlasic get in.

England have taken Jude Bellingham off, getting Djed Spence on field.

Croatia have been unable to recapture the form their showed in the first half. Despite tactical adjustments, England remain largely dominant, pinning them back near their own goal. With no clear scoring chances, Croatia are struggling to tie the game.

England have decided to take Noni Madueke, Anthony Gordon and Declan Rice off. In their place, Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford and Morgan Rogers get in- 

After the three-minute hydration break, the referee resumes play between England and Croatia.

Looking to regain some protagonism, Croatia have decided to take Petar Musa and Luka Vuskovic off. In their place, Igor Matanovic and Marco Pasalic get in.

Looking to regain the control of the game, Croatia have decided to take off Luka Modric. In this place, Mateo Kovacic gets on field. 

After a great corner kick, England's Anthony Gordon and  Noni Madueke tries to score with a header. However, Croatia's Livakovic makes an herois triple save!

After a great shoot from Declan Rice, Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic makes an heroic save to prevent England's fourth goal

Despite a magnificent cross from Declan Rice, Nico O'Reilly does not reach to launch a great header, sending the ball outside. 

Following a great long-pass from Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham runs past the defenders, beating them with speed. In an effective manner, he arrives in front of the net, crossing a great shoot to score a goal. 

England vs Croatia second half is underway.

Although Croatia started the first half in control, they were pushed back by England. With extremely high pressure, Zlatko Dalić’s team suffocated their opponent, constantly cutting off passing lanes. However, a foul by Luka Modric on Noni Madueke in the box changed everything, putting the spotlight on their opponent.

England managed to adapt as the game went on. They knew how to withstand pressure, but they also took control at times. Although Noni Madueke and Jude Bellingham shone, Harry Kane has been the best player of the match. Not only is he key to the team’s build-up play, but he also scored a superb brace to put his team ahead. With that, they head into halftime with a lead, but with plenty to adjust—especially on the left wing, as Anthony Gordon has not stood out.   

After a great pass from Ivan Perisic, Petar Musa receives the ball and launches as superb shoot, to tie the game with seconds left for the galftime!

Following a great corner kick by Declan Rice, Harry Kane scores a spectacular header, beating the Croatian defense.

Unlike in the opening minutes of the game, Croatia seem to be sitting back quite a bit. Nonetheless, they recovered a ball in the midfield. With a brilliant pass from Petar Sucic, Martin Baturina scores a huge goal, in a brilliant manner from outside the area.  

After an amazing collective play started by Harry Kane, Noni Madueke receives the ball, and launches a great cross. Nonetheless, Jude Bellingham does not reach ball, missing a great chance. 

Croatia remain the more dominant team, pressing their opponent high up the pitch. Nevertheless, England are taking advantage of the spaces in behind to play on the counterattack, looking quite comfortable. Against this backdrop, Jude Bellingham and Noni Madueke have been shining consistently, coming close to scoring.

After the three-minute hydration break, the referee resumes play between England and Croatia. 

Despite Harry Kane’s penalty goal, Croatia have managed to put England under significant pressure, establishing  as the more dominant side in the match. With their high press, they have come very close to finding an equalizer, while Thomas Tuchel’s team has relied on long balls on the counterattack.

After receiving a long pass, Noni Madueke runs  past Croatian defenders. While he had a 1v1 situation, he did not reach to score. 

After a harsh foul of Luka Modric on Noni Madueke, the referee decides to give a penaly to England. With a brilliant manner, Harry Kane tried to score but, Dominik Livakovic saves the ball! However, the referee decide re launch the penalty as Livakovic moves.   

In the second attempt, Harry Kane goal. 

As expected, England and Croatia are sharing control of the ball. So far, the battle is taking place in midfield, where the teams are dictating the pace of the game and launching counterattacks. In addition, Thomas Tuchel’s team is relying on its defense to build plays.

England vs Croatia 2026 World Cup clash is already underway at Arlington Stadium

Jude Bellingham is one of the most important players in the world. Excelling at Real Madrid, he arrives as one of England’s biggest stars for the 2026 World Cup. Nevertheless, he faces serious criticism from fans, who speak about his lack of real impact in key moments. As a starter under Thomas Tuchel, he has a clear opportunity to silence his critics.

In case he manages to shine both as a goalscorer and creator, Bellingham would become a fully established player for England. Although he has already excelled with Real Madrid, he has not had the same impact with his national team. Therefore, he could use the 2026 World Cup as an opportunity to shine and put the constant doubts behind him.

Luka Modrić has managed to become one of the greatest players in Croatia’s history. Not only did he win a Ballon d’Or, but he also led one of the best eras of his national team. After several years of reaching only the World Cup group stage, he led his team to a runner-up finish in the 2018 edition and to third place in the 2022 edition. Nevertheless, he is facing his final appearance in the tournament.

Despite continuing to shine in Europe, Modrić is already 40 years old, moving closer to his professional retirement. Because of this, he may not remain with the national team much longer, handing over the reins to the younger players. With this being his final tournament, he could showcase his best version, looking to reach the knockout stages once again with Croatia.

Looking to take center stage, England have decided to field a fairly offensive lineup. Led by Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, they will look to shine on the scoring front. To open up spaces, Noni Madueke and Anthony Gordon will play on the wings. On the defensive side, Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson will anchor the midfield, while John Stones and Ezri Konsa will form the back line.

Starting XI: Jordan Pickford; Reece James, John Stones, Ezri Konsa, Nico O’Reilly; Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson; Noni Madueke, Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon; Harry Kane.

With Luka Modrić leading the way, Croatia are set to face England. Looking to dominate the game, Mateo Kovačić, Petar Sučić, and Martin Baturina will help the 41-year-old veteran star. Nonetheless, Ivan Perišić and Josip Stanišić will lead the wings, looking to exploit the defensive gaps in England’s back line. On the scoring side, Petar Musa emerges as the sole option.

Harry Kane has become England’s all-time leading goalscorer, with 78 goals, surpassing Wayne Rooney. Coming into the tournament in the best form of his career, he emerges as one of the leading favourites to finish as the top scorer at the 2026 World Cup. In addition, he will be looking to break the record held by Gary Lineker in the tournament.

Throughout his career, Lineker managed to become England’s highest goalscorer in World Cup history. Across his 12 appearances, he scored 10 goals. Although Kane has only scored 8 goals in 11 appearances, he could break this record in this edition. Arriving in his best form with Bayern Munich, he could establish as one of the most outstanding players in his country's history at the tournament.

After making a huge impact, Thomas Tuchel renewed his contract with England, securing his stay until 2028. Nevertheless, he arrives really under pressure to the 2026 World Cup. In case of not advancing to the knockout stages, he could put his future with the national team.

Having left out stars such as Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, and others, he has faced multiple criticisms from fans. Instead, he has decided to rely on players with different profiles in order to have versatility from the bench and adjust the game. If he fails to go deep into the tournament, he could face questions about his position, as he took a major risk by leaving several leaders and stars out of the squad.  

England vs Croatia is set to start at 4:00pm ET / 1:00pm PT

You can watch 2026 World Cup game live on Fubo here.

Welcome to our live blog of the match between England and Croatia in the 2026 World Cup at Arlington Stadium. Stay with us for all the key information about this clash, and once the game kicks off, for minute-by-minute updates.