Harry Kane struck twice to help England begin their FIFA World Cup campaign with a 4-2 victory over Croatia in an entertaining Group L encounter on Wednesday.
The England captain opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 12th minute after Noni Madueke was fouled by Luka Modric. Although Dominik Livakovic saved Kane’s first attempt, the kick was retaken after the Croatian goalkeeper was ruled to have stepped off his line, allowing Kane to convert at the second attempt.
Croatia responded through Martin Baturina, who curled an effort beyond Jordan Pickford in the 36th minute, but Kane restored England’s lead six minutes later with a header from Declan Rice’s corner to equal Gary Lineker’s record of 10 World Cup goals for England.
Petar Musa ensured the sides went into the interval level at 2-2 when the Dallas-based striker volleyed home in first-half stoppage time.
England regained the lead shortly after the restart as Jude Bellingham drove forward before finishing low past Livakovic in the 47th minute.
Thomas Tuchel’s side controlled much of the second half and substitute Marcus Rashford sealed the victory five minutes from time after being set up by Bukayo Saka.
The result marked England’s third consecutive victory in an opening World Cup match and moved the Three Lions to the top of Group L with three points. Panama and Ghana each have one point after drawing their opening match, while Croatia are bottom of the group without a point.
Kane was named the Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match after becoming the outright holder of the record for most penalties scored in World Cup history, excluding shootouts, with five.
FIFA
