England beat Croatia in a six-goal thriller
A Kane double, a Bellingham solo strike and a decisive Rashford finish gave Thomas Tuchel a flying start.
In Dallas, England and Croatia served up a spectacular Group L opener. Croatia kept the scoreline alive, but England's attacking dominance was far clearer than the final margin suggested.
Match summary
Kane scored from the spot and then headed in from a Rice corner, while Baturina and Musa brought Croatia level twice. Straight after half-time, Bellingham restored England's lead with a superb solo finish before Rashford sealed it in the 85th minute.
Possession: England 52% — Croatia 48%
xG: England 3.21 — Croatia 0.70
Shots: England 22 — Croatia 10
Big chances: 7 – 2 · Corners: 8 – 2 · Livaković saves: 7
The match turned in the 47th minute: Bellingham drove forward, resisted the challenge and found the net via the inside of the post.
After the match
England produced 22 shots, 11 on target and 3.21 xG. Without Livaković's seven saves, Croatia's defeat could have become a rout.
What next
England lead Group L alongside Ghana, while Croatia already need a response against Panama.
Tuchel's England opened with force and fluency. Croatia showed flashes, but their transition now feels unavoidable.

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