England vs. Croatia: Bellingham's Second-Half Strike Seals Thrilling 4-3 Victory

What a start to the second half from England. Barely 90 seconds after the restart, Jude Bellingham bursts down the right, gets on the end of a move from the back, and smashes a finish across goal into the far corner.

Instant impact, instant lead change. Croatia are stunned again as England go 3-2 up in this thriller.

A wild first half in Dallas ends level at 2-2 between England and Croatia after two lead changes and a stoppage-time equaliser.

England edge expected goals at 1.36 to 0.43 and looked more dangerous in spells, with Harry Kane scoring twice to reach his 10th World Cup goal. Croatia, though, stayed efficient, keeping possession almost perfectly balanced at 50-50 and taking their chances when they came.

Stats at half-time show England with more shots (8-5) and shots on target (3-2), while Croatia matched them for goals and looked sharp in build-up phases. It’s finely poised heading into the second half after a messy, entertaining opening 45 minutes where both defences were exposed.

Croatia have equalised right at the end of the first half after a brilliant flowing move.

Ivan Perišić stays just onside and flicks a header into the path of Petar Musa, who finishes it with a powerful right-footed strike. England are stunned just before the break as Croatia make it 2-2 at half-time after a wild finish to the opening 45 minutes.

England retake the lead just before half-time. Declan Rice delivers a brilliant set piece into the box and Harry Kane rises highest to power a header past Livaković.

Simple, clean delivery and England make it count. Kane now has his 10th World Cup goal, and England are back in control at a key moment.

Goal! And it’s been coming. Croatia are level through Martin Baturina with a brilliant finish.

Petar Sučić plays him in and Baturina doesn’t hesitate, he whips a right-footed strike straight into the top-left corner. Pickford had no chance.

Croatia haven’t created much, but they’ve taken their one big moment. Game back on in Dallas.

We’re back after the hydration break in Dallas. Croatia have the ball but don’t look settled at all.

Their shape is dropping into a back five without the ball, with Perišić helping out deep, but it’s leaving big gaps in midfield. England are just stepping into those spaces easily, with Kane dropping in and linking play. Right now, Croatia look a bit all over the place.

Drama early in the Group L opener as England are awarded a penalty after Luka Modrić brings down Noni Madueke inside the box. Harry Kane steps up at 10’, but his initial effort is saved by Dominik Livaković after a poor strike straight down the middle.

However, VAR intervenes as the goalkeeper is ruled off his line, and Kane is given a retake. At 12’, he makes no mistake, smashing the ball to the right as Livaković dives the wrong way. England lead 1-0 after a chaotic start at the World Cup.

Here we go then! England’s FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign is officially underway against Croatia in their Group L opener.

Early tempo from both sides as they settle into shape, with England trying to control possession and Croatia looking dangerous in transition. Harry Kane gets a strong reaction from the crowd, underlining his importance to this England side.

The first real chance falls to Croatia from a corner, with Josip Šutalo left completely unmarked, but he can only hook his effort over the bar. A clear warning sign for England, who switch off at the set piece.

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

Thomas Tuchel sets England up in a 4-2-3-1 formation for their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against Croatia, with Jude Bellingham preferred at No.10 ahead of Morgan Rogers. The system is built around control in midfield and quick transitions in attack, with Rice and Anderson providing balance while Bellingham operates between the lines behind captain Harry Kane.

In defence, Pickford starts in goal behind a back four of Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah, John Stones and Nico O’Reilly, offering stability and progression from deep areas. Madueke and Gordon provide width and direct attacking threat, while Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka are named on the bench.

Thomas Tuchel enters his first major tournament as England manager carrying the weight of enormous expectations. The German coach replaced Gareth Southgate and quickly guided the Three Lions through qualification with a perfect record. Having previously won major trophies with Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, Tuchel was appointed to help England finally convert promise into silverware. With Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and a squad packed with talent at his disposal, England are widely viewed as genuine contenders.

Zlatko Dalić is preparing to lead Croatia at a third consecutive World Cup after overseeing the most successful period in the nation's football history. Since taking charge in 2017, he has guided Croatia to a World Cup final and a third-place finish while earning a reputation for building disciplined, resilient teams. Croatia topped their qualifying group unbeaten and arrive in North America with confidence. Dalić now faces another challenge as he attempts to blend experienced leaders with emerging young talent.