England vs Croatia: Winners & losers - Kane's brace leads resilient triumph

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GOAL

·17 Juni 2026

England vs Croatia: Winners & losers - Kane's brace leads resilient triumph

England secured a thrilling 4–2 victory over Croatia in their 2026 World Cup opener, with Harry Kane's brace leading the way in a dramatic six-goal Group L contest at AT&T Stadium. Twice pegged back in the first half, the Three Lions responded through Kane's penalty and header before Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford sealed all three points. GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from England v Croatia.

Winners

Harry Kane (England)

The England captain produced a defining performance with two goals to lead his side to victory. Kane converted a retaken penalty at 12 minutes after VAR detected goalkeeper encroachment, then rose unmarked to head home Declan Rice's corner at 42 minutes, restoring England's lead after Martin Baturina had equalised.

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Kane's threat continued throughout the second half as he tested Dominik Livakovic repeatedly. Around the 57th minute, the Croatian goalkeeper was forced into three consecutive saves from the striker, demonstrating Kane's persistent attacking intent. His movement and aerial presence caused constant problems for Croatia's defensive structure.

With his brace, Kane moved to 10 World Cup goals, drawing level with Gary Lineker in England's all-time tournament scoring charts. His opening penalty set the tone for England's response each time Croatia levelled, while his 42nd-minute header ultimately proved the match-winning goal as England built a foundation for victory.

Jordan Pickford (England)

Pickford delivered a series of crucial interventions in the second half that protected England's advantage during sustained Croatian pressure. While he conceded twice before the break, his saves after the interval proved vital as Croatia pushed forward in search of an equaliser following Bellingham's 47th-minute goal.

The England goalkeeper denied Marco Pašalić at 76 minutes, Igor Matanovic at 77 minutes, and Mateo Kovacic with a diving stop at 84 minutes. Deep into stoppage time, Pickford produced an excellent save to keep out Joško Gvardiol's header from a corner, ensuring England preserved their two-goal advantage.

Without Pickford's second-half shot-stopping, Croatia could have drawn level before Rashford's late strike. His intervention against Gvardiol was particularly significant, denying the defender in a tense final moment when a goal would have set up a nervy finish. Pickford's concentration and reactions secured the clean second half England needed.

Loser

Luka Modrić (Croatia)

The Croatia captain endured a difficult afternoon before being substituted at 58 minutes. His most significant contribution was a negative one: Modrić fouled Noni Madueke inside the box to concede the penalty that led to England's opening goal, setting a damaging tone for his side's World Cup opener.

Despite his experience and passing ability, Modrić struggled to influence proceedings in central midfield. His involvement was limited as England's pressing disrupted Croatia's rhythm, and he was unable to provide the creative spark his side needed to control possession in dangerous areas throughout his time on the pitch.

Zlatko Dalić replaced Modrić with Mateo Kovacic as Croatia trailed 3–2, seeking fresh energy in midfield. The substitution marked a difficult moment for a Croatia side navigating transition from their golden generation, with Modrić's costly early error ultimately setting the tone for a disappointing defeat.