Harry Kane Ties England’s Record for World Cup Goals in 4-2 Win over Croatia

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Harry Kane Ties England’s Record for World Cup Goals in 4-2 Win over Croatia/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Harry Kane scored twice to match England’s World Cup scoring record in a 4-2 win over Croatia. Jude Bellingham netted the decisive goal early in the second half to put England ahead for good. England’s attack overwhelmed Croatia after halftime in an impressive World Cup opener.

England’s Jude Bellingham (10) celebrates his team’s third goal during the World Cup Group L soccer match between England and Croatia in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

England’s Harry Kane (9) heads the ball and scores a goal during the World Cup Group L soccer match between England and Croatia in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Harry Kane World Cup Record Quick Looks

England defeats Croatia 4-2 in Group L opener.
Harry Kane scores twice and ties England’s World Cup goals record.
Jude Bellingham delivers the match-winning goal.
Marcus Rashford adds a late insurance goal.
Croatia equalized twice before England pulled away.
Kane now has 10 career World Cup goals.
Kane ties Gary Lineker’s all-time England World Cup mark.
England dominates the second half under Thomas Tuchel.
Luka Modrić makes his fifth World Cup appearance.
England next faces Ghana in its second group match.

Croatia’s Petar Musa celebrates scoring his side’s 2nd goal during the World Cup Group L soccer match between England and Croatia in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Croatia’s Martin Baturina, bottom, is congratulated after scoring his side’s first goal by Ivan Perisic after scored during the World Cup Group L soccer match between England and Croatia in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Deep Look

Kane Matches Historic England World Cup Mark

England launched its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with an entertaining 4-2 victory over Croatia, powered by two goals from Harry Kane and a game-changing performance from Jude Bellingham.

The victory not only gave England three valuable points but also placed Kane alongside one of the nation’s football legends. The Bayern Munich striker scored his ninth and tenth World Cup goals, matching the England record established by Gary Lineker during the 1986 and 1990 tournaments.

For Kane, already England’s all-time leading international scorer, the achievement adds another milestone to a remarkable career.

Croatia Refuses to Back Down

The match began with both teams displaying attacking intent.

Kane opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Croatian captain Luka Modrić fouled Noni Madueke inside the penalty area. Although goalkeeper Dominik Livaković initially saved the attempt, a VAR review ruled that he had moved off his line too early.

Kane converted the retaken penalty with confidence to hand England an early advantage.

Croatia responded strongly.

Martin Baturina leveled the match in the 36th minute with a precise strike that slipped beyond goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. England regained the lead through Kane once again, this time with a powerful header from a Declan Rice corner kick.

Yet Croatia answered immediately before halftime.

Petar Musa capitalized on a dangerous attack and fired home on the final play of the first half, sending both teams into the break locked at 2-2.

Tuchel’s Halftime Message Sparks England

England manager Thomas Tuchel was not pleased with his team’s defensive lapses.

According to Kane, Tuchel urged the players to play with more freedom and confidence rather than worrying about mistakes.

The message had an immediate impact.

Just two minutes after the restart, Jude Bellingham produced the breakthrough. Racing onto a long pass from Elliot Anderson, the Real Madrid midfielder surged forward and calmly finished past Livaković.

The goal shifted momentum entirely in England’s favor.

England then unleashed a relentless attacking spell that left Croatia struggling to contain wave after wave of pressure.

Bellingham Continues His Rise

Bellingham’s influence extended far beyond his goal.

The midfielder controlled large portions of the second half, combining creativity, energy and composure in possession. His movement between the lines repeatedly created openings for England’s forwards.

Still only in his early twenties, Bellingham continues to establish himself as one of the tournament’s standout players and one of the central figures in England’s hopes of ending its long wait for World Cup glory.

His seventh international goal demonstrated both confidence and maturity on one of football’s biggest stages.

Rashford Seals the Result

Despite Croatia’s resilience, England’s attacking quality eventually proved too much.

Marcus Rashford delivered the final blow in the 85th minute. After receiving a pass from Bukayo Saka, Rashford entered the penalty area, created space with a clever feint and calmly finished to make it 4-2.

The goal rewarded England for a dominant second-half display and removed any lingering doubt about the outcome.

Tuchel praised the aggressive approach his players adopted after halftime.

He said he encouraged them to play with courage and express themselves, and he was particularly pleased with the reaction after Croatia’s late first-half equalizer.

Kane’s World Cup Legacy Grows

Kane’s double not only tied Lineker’s England record but further enhanced his standing among the greatest World Cup scorers of his generation.

The striker won the Golden Boot at the 2018 World Cup in Russia after scoring six goals and has consistently delivered on football’s biggest stage.

Now with 10 World Cup goals, he remains a vital figure in England’s quest for international success.

His leadership, finishing ability and experience continue to make him one of the tournament’s most dangerous forwards.

Croatia Shows Fight Despite Defeat

While the result was disappointing for Croatia, there were encouraging moments.

Modrić, now 40 years old, became the first Croatian player to appear in five World Cups, extending an extraordinary international career.

Croatia also demonstrated resilience by twice coming from behind against one of the tournament favorites.

However, defensive weaknesses and England’s superior attacking depth ultimately proved decisive.

Coach Zlatko Dalić acknowledged that while Croatia created quality scoring opportunities, the team needed greater defensive stability against elite opposition.

Looking Ahead

England’s impressive opening performance sends a strong message to the rest of the tournament field.

With Kane in scoring form, Bellingham pulling the strings in midfield and a deep attacking roster capable of producing goals from multiple sources, England appears well-positioned to advance from Group L.

The Three Lions will next face Ghana in Massachusetts, while Croatia takes on Panama in Toronto.

If England can maintain the attacking intensity displayed during the second half against Croatia, it could emerge as one of the strongest contenders for the 2026 World Cup title.