In Arlington, Texas, Harry Kane showcased his scoring prowess by netting twice, equaling the English record for World Cup goals during England’s 4-2 victory over Croatia. Jude Bellingham contributed with a goal only two minutes into the second half. This triumph recalled the 2018 World Cup semifinal clash dominated by Croatia. Martin Baturina and Petar Musa responded to Kane’s initial strikes. Notably, Musa’s goal occurred right before halftime ended, leveling the score temporarily.
Soon after play resumed, Bellingham controlled a long pass and maintained his lead to shoot past Dominik Livakovic, striking it in off the far post. Marcus Rashford extended England’s lead even further in the 85th minute.
Kane, recognized for his Golden Boot achievement in the 2018 World Cup with six goals, now totals 10 World Cup goals, tying Gary Lineker’s achievements from the 1986 and 1990 tournaments. The match saw Kane scoring his first goal from the spot on a second penalty attempt after a video review nullified Livakovic’s initial save due to a rule infraction involving his position off the line.
The penalty resulted from Luka Modric’s foul on Noni Madueke. Kane matched Lineker’s record when he skillfully headed in a corner from Declan Rice. His tally now stands at 81 international goals.
Bellingham almost scored again soon after, right before Livakovic managed several saves during a vigorous English assault.
Musa, affiliated with Major League Soccer’s FC Dallas, scored in a stadium close to home by capitalizing on Ivan Perisic’s header, beating Jordan Pickford. Earlier, Pickford was defeated in the 36th minute by Baturina’s shot, which glanced off his hand en route to the net’s left corner.
The match took place in AT&T Stadium with a retractable roof, offering fans relief from Texas heat. English fans wore white, while Croatian supporters cheered in their iconic red-and-white checkered outfits.
England’s next encounter is against Ghana in Foxborough, Massachusetts, while Croatia is set to play against Panama in Toronto.