Kane brace fires England past stubborn Croatia in six-goal opener

Harry Kane struck twice, Jude Bellingham settled it and Marcus Rashford sealed it as England saw off a stubborn Croatia 4-2 in Dallas. Croatia hit back twice through Baturina and Musa, but the Three Lions pulled clear after the break to open their World Cup on top of the group.

England opened their World Cup with a win that flattered them a little, seeing off a stubborn Croatia 4-2 at AT&T Stadium in Dallas. Six goals, two Croatian comebacks and a captain who would not stop scoring made it the kind of group game that empties the maandazi plate before half-time. For Kenyan fans who follow these players every weekend, this was a reunion as much as a fixture.

Harry Kane settled the early nerves from the penalty spot on 12 minutes, sending the keeper the wrong way after a clumsy challenge in the box. The Bayern Munich striker has carried England's attack for a decade, and he wore the armband like a man who fancied a long evening in Texas.

Croatia answered through youth. Martin Baturina, the 23-year-old Como playmaker many tip to inherit Luka Modrić's role, drilled a low finish past the England keeper on 36 minutes. The goal silenced the travelling support and reminded everyone that this Croatia side still knows how to grow into a contest.

Kane was not done. He restored England's lead on 42 minutes, sliding in to finish a move that started on the right. The celebration barely settled before Petar Musa struck back deep in first-half stoppage time, on 45+5. Musa plays his club football here in Dallas for FC Dallas, and he hammered home on his own turf to make it 2-2 at the break.

Hii game ilikuwa moto kweli kweli: this game was properly on fire. The two sides walked off level after a half that gave Kenyan living rooms plenty to shout about, and the second period belonged to the men in white.

England settled it quickly. Two minutes after the restart Jude Bellingham burst through the middle and finished for 3-2, the Real Madrid man once again proving the difference when the game asked the biggest question. Marcus Rashford, revitalised at Barcelona this season, sealed it on 85 minutes, sweeping home after Bukayo Saka came off the bench to stretch a tiring Croatian defence.

The night carried a sense of farewell for Croatia. Luka Modrić, 40 now and at AC Milan, was playing close to his 200th cap in what is almost certainly his final World Cup. He pulled the strings that dragged his side level twice, but his legs could not cover the spaces England exploited after the break. The runner-up of 2018 may be running out of road.

Thomas Tuchel will want cleaner defending, since conceding twice to a side chasing the game is no way to win a tournament. Still, three points and four goals make a fine opening statement, and England sit top of the group. For the wider picture, read our Europe round-one verdict and catch every opener on the round-one hub.