England began their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 4-2 win against Croatia in Dallas. The match saw several key moments, including a retaken penalty and late goals that secured the victory for England.
Captain Harry Kane opened the scoring for England from the penalty spot after 12 minutes. His initial attempt was saved, but the kick was retaken due to the goalkeeper encroaching off his line. Croatia equalised after 36 minutes with a strike from Martin Baturina. Kane scored again just before half-time, heading in a corner from Declan Rice in the 42nd minute. However, Petar Musa levelled the score for Croatia in first-half stoppage time.
Second-half action and key performances
Jude Bellingham put England ahead again shortly after the restart, receiving a pass from Elliot Anderson before scoring. Bellingham later had another opportunity to extend the lead but fired directly at the goalkeeper. Nico O’Reilly also missed a chance to increase England‘s advantage, heading wide from a corner delivered by Rice.
England continued to press, with Rice, Kane, and Ezri Konsa all having attempts on goal. Croatia made a substitution on the hour mark, with Mateo Kovacic replacing Luka Modric. Kovacic had a long-range shot saved by Jordan Pickford as Croatia sought another equaliser. However, Marcus Rashford scored England‘s fourth goal in the 85th minute, sealing the win.
Several players were assessed for their performances. Jordan Pickford received a rating of 5, with some clearances noted as wayward. Nico O’Reilly, making his first major tournament start at 19 years old, was rated 6 for a solid performance despite some nerves and missed chances from corners. John Stones, the Manchester City centre-back, was rated 5, taking responsibility for building play but showing some signs that more time is needed to develop his partnership with Ezri Konsa.
Ezri Konsa, an Aston Villa defender, also received a rating of 5, with his limited time playing alongside Stones being noted. Reece James, the Chelsea right-back, was rated 6, growing into the game after a quieter start. Declan Rice, the Arsenal midfielder, was rated 7 for his powerful running and excellent set-piece delivery, assisting Kane‘s second goal and creating opportunities for O’Reilly.
Elliot Anderson received a rating of 6, showing maturity and assisting Bellingham‘s goal. Anthony Gordon, rated 6, provided an energetic display and was key in pressing, though he lacked a cutting edge. Jude Bellingham, the Real Madrid midfielder, was rated 7 for his performance in the number 10 role, scoring England‘s third goal. Noni Madueke, rated 7, showed energy and pace, winning England‘s penalty and proving to be a dangerous attacker.
Harry Kane, rated 8, was fortunate to retake his penalty and scored from a set-piece with a header. His partnership with Madueke was noted as flourishing. Substitutes also contributed: Morgan Rogers (rated 6) replaced Rice, Marcus Rashford (rated 7) scored England‘s fourth goal, and Bukayo Saka (rated 7) assisted Rashford. Djed Spence (rated 6) came on at right-back, and Marc Guehi (rated 6) entered the game for the final minutes.
Upcoming fixtures for England and other teams
Following their victory, England is scheduled to play against Ghana next Tuesday. This match will kick off at 21:00 UK time and will be held at Boston Stadium.
Other international matches also took place, with Ruben Dias and Matheus Nunes being unused substitutes in Portugal‘s 1-1 World Cup draw with Congo DR. João Neves opened the scoring for Portugal in the 6th minute, but Yoane Wissa equalised for Congo DR in first-half stoppage time. Portugal‘s next match is against Uzbekistan next Tuesday, with an 18:00 kick-off at Houston Stadium.
Gvardiol and Kovacic are set to be in action again next Wednesday, with a match against Panama in Toronto Stadium.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
