ENGLAND 4–2 CROATIA (2–2)
FIFA World Cup, Group L
Dallas Stadium, Dallas
Referee: C. Turpin (France)
Goals:
1–0 Kane (12', penalty)
1–1 Baturina (36')
2–1 Kane (42')
2–2 Musa (45+5')
3–2 Bellingham (47')
4–2 Rashford (85')
Yellow cards: None
England: Pickford, Konsa, O'Reilly, Stones (87' Guehi), James, Rice (72' Rogers), Anderson, Bellingham (79' Spence), Gordon (72' Rashford), Madueke (72' Saka), Kane.
Head coach: T. Tuchel.
Croatia: Livaković, Šutalo, Gvardiol, Vušković (66' Marco Pašalić), Perišić, Modrić (58' Kovačić), Mario Pašalić (79' Kramarić), Stanišić, P. Sučić, Baturina (79' Vlašić), Musa (66' Matanović).
Head coach: Z. Dalić.
Zlatko Dalić's side faced England in the opening match of Group L at the World Cup being held in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The first goal came after just over ten minutes.
Livaković initially saved Kane's penalty kick, but after it was retaken, the England captain converted his second attempt to make it 1–0. Croatia equalized in the 36th minute following a well-worked move, with Sučić providing the assist and Baturina finishing brilliantly into the top corner.
Just six minutes later, Kane restored England's lead with a header, but the Vatreni responded with another excellent attacking move. Perišić set up Musa, who scored in the dying moments of the first half to make it 2–2.
However, the score remained level only briefly after the restart. Bellingham broke through the Croatian defense and accurately found the far corner to put England ahead once again. Livaković then made several important saves to prevent England from extending their lead.
In the closing stages, Croatia pushed hard for a third equalizer. Marco Pašalić had a promising chance, but in the 85th minute Rashford sealed the victory for the Three Lions.
In their second World Cup match, Croatia will face Panama in Toronto.
