England launched their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in style with a thrilling 4-2 victory over Croatia in a six-goal Group L encounter.
Captain Harry Kane led the charge for the Three Lions, scoring twice in an entertaining contest that saw both teams exchange blows before England pulled away in the second half.
Kane opened the scoring in the 12th minute to give England an early advantage, but Croatia responded through Martin Baturina, who found the net in the 36th minute to level the scores.
England regained the lead six minutes later when Kane struck again in the 42nd minute, only for Croatia to hit back on the stroke of halftime.
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Petar Musa scored deep into stoppage time at 45+5 minutes to ensure the teams went into the break tied at 2-2.
The Three Lions wasted little time restoring their advantage after the restart. Jude Bellingham fired England back in front in the 47th minute with a crucial goal that shifted the momentum firmly in his side’s favour.
Croatia pushed for another equaliser, but England remained in control and sealed the victory five minutes from time when Radford found the back of the net in the 85th minute.
The win gives England a perfect start to their World Cup campaign and puts them in a strong position in Group L, while Croatia will look to bounce back in their next fixture after falling short in an entertaining showdown.