England Triumphs Over Croatia in Thrilling 4-2 Match

Arlington, Texas — Harry Kane was pivotal as England triumphed over Croatia, scoring twice to equal Gary Lineker’s record for most World Cup goals by an English player. Jude Bellingham also made his mark, adding a goal early in the second half, leading to England’s 4-2 victory on Wednesday.

Croatia managed a robust response with goals from Martin Baturina and Petar Musa, matching Kane’s first-half scores. Musa’s goal came just before halftime, but it did little to halt England’s momentum as Jude Bellingham quickly struck back when play resumed.

Bellingham capitalized on a long pass, deftly evading the defense to score past goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic, extending England’s lead.

Marcus Rashford further secured the win, adding a goal in the 85th minute. Kane’s performance ties him with Lineker’s record of 10 World Cup goals, a feat shared following his Golden Boot reward for scoring six goals in the 2018 World Cup. At 32, Kane proved formidable, scoring on a penalty after a video review showed Livakovic improperly off the goal line during Kane’s first attempt.

Kane’s penalty came after Croatian veteran Luka Modric fouled Noni Madueke. Following this, a powerful header off a corner by Declan Rice saw Kane match Lineker’s 10-goal record.

Bellingham piled on the pressure, nearly scoring again soon after, forcing multiple saves from Livakovic during England’s relentless attack.

Musa, familiar to local fans as a player for the MLS team FC Dallas, scored decisively from a header pass by Ivan Perisic, followed by Baturina’s goal against Jordan Pickford, completing Croatia’s efforts.

The game took place at AT&T Stadium, where fans from both countries gathered under the stadium’s retractable roof, providing relief from the heat. Both English fans and supporters in Croatia’s red-and-white checkered colors filled the vibrant venue.

England is set to face Ghana next in Foxborough, Massachusetts, while Croatia prepares to meet Panama in Toronto, continuing their World Cup journey.