News Focus
- England secured a 4-2 victory over Croatia in their World Cup 2026 Group L match at Dallas Stadium
- Captain Harry Kane equalled the national team’s World Cup finals scoring record with another decisive display
- Elliot Anderson and Noni Madueke both earned high marks for their creative performances
- Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic produced several world-class saves despite the defeat
- Jude Bellingham scored a brilliant goal but made a costly error for Croatia’s opener
Gareth Southgate’s side claimed a vital three points in Texas after an entertaining six-goal contest. The Three Lions survived a nervy second half to maintain their perfect start to the tournament.
Harry Kane gave an excellent performance to help England win, getting the best score for his display. The captain moved back into midfield to create chances and scored to equal his country’s World Cup finals record.
Elliot Anderson and Noni Madueke both impressed with eight out of ten ratings. Anderson controlled the game superbly and supplied the perfect pass that split the defence for Bellingham’s goal, while Madueke won the penalty and caused problems for the Croatian backline.
Jude Bellingham got seven points despite losing the ball for Croatia’s first goal, making up for the error with a stunning finish. Declan Rice also scored seven for his assist from a corner, though he looked tired after a long domestic season.
Jordan Pickford got six points after a shaky performance in goal. The goalkeeper could have done better with Croatia’s second goal but made up for it with a vital late save. Reece James also received six points after losing his opponent for the equaliser, while John Stones looked rusty during the opening stages.
Marcus Rashford made an immediate impact from the bench with a superb strike that sealed the points. The substitute earned seven points for his clinical finish. Bukayo Saka also got seven despite injury doubts, helping to create the final goal.
For Croatia, Dominik Livakovic stood out with nine points despite letting in four goals. The goalkeeper made amazing saves to stop England winning by more. Luka Modric gave away an early penalty but still controlled the game to get seven points, while veteran Ivan Perisic showed incredible energy at 37 to earn the same score.
Petar Musa and Martin Baturina both scored seven for their cool finishes, with Baturina testing England’s defence throughout. Young defender Luka Vuskovic lost Kane for the second goal but showed his promise with seven points.