The England team gave a coup of authority in the 2026 World Cup after beating Croatia 4-2 in a vibrant match, full of alternatives and starring its main offensive figures. With a double from Harry Kane, in addition to scores from Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford, the English added three points that strengthen their aspirations in the World Cup.

Although Croatia reacted on two occasions to equalize the score, defensive errors ended up taking their toll against an opponent with greater punch and depth in attack.

Harry Kane punishes a Modric error and opens the way for England

The match started with few emotions until an unexpected action changed the course of the match. In the ninth minute, Luka Modric lost the ball inside his own area under pressure from Noni Madueke, a play that ended in a penalty after the intervention of the VAR.

Harry Kane took responsibility and converted the penalty to put England ahead on the scoreboard.

However, the Croatian response was not long in coming. When the English team seemed to control the match, Martin Baturina took advantage of a defensive mismatch to tie the tie with a powerful shot from outside the area in the 36th minute.

Equality did not last long. Before the break, Kane appeared again to score with a header after a corner kick and return the lead to the English.

Croatia reacted, but Bellingham made a difference

Far from giving up, Croatia once again showed character. Already in added time of the first half, a great combination between Mario Pasalic and Ivan Perisic ended with a spectacular volley by Petar Musa to make it 2-2.

The exchange of blows left an open match with the feeling that anyone could win.

However, England struck again as soon as the second half began. Jude Bellingham, one of the team's most decisive figures, took advantage of the spaces granted by the Croatian defense to enter the area and finish with precision against Dominik Livakovic, making it 3-2.

Rashford sentences and reinforces the English candidacy

The departure of Luka Modric in the 58th minute reduced Croatia's ability to react. England began to control possession and impose conditions in midfield, limiting their rival's offensive options.

The sentence came in the final stretch. Just twelve minutes after entering the field, Marcus Rashford found space and scored the fourth English goal to close the match definitively.

With this victory, the England team adds confidence and confirms the offensive potential that makes it one of the teams to watch in the 2026 World Cup. Led by Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and a squad full of talent, the English sent a clear message to the rest of the contenders for the title.