The Three Lions are taking on Croatia in their opening game of the tournament stateside
There were joyous scenes as England opened their account at the 2026 World Cup tonight.
The Three Lions are taking are taking on Croatia in Dallas, Texas, in their first group game in the newlly expanded tournament being held in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
And it was a dream start when a foul by Luka Modric on Noni Madueke saw England awarded a penalty.
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Captain Harry Kane’s initial effort was saved by the Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic.
However the referre ordered it to be retaken due to encroachment from two Croatian players,. and Kane made no mistake second time around, slotting home to give England a 12th minute lead.
Watch: Harry Kane gives England the lead from the spot
At the ‘We Are Football festival’ in Freight Island, where more than 2,000 fans have packed in, chaos erupted as England opened their account.
Beer was launched through the air as a sea of bodies bounced around in joy.
Stunned silence as Croatia equalise
That joy was cut short, with the fans reduced to stunned silence when a thundering strike from Martin Baturina drew Croatia level in the 36th minute.
It took Kane just eight minutes to get them celebrating again.
Kane restore’s England’s lead
A powerful header from a corner sent the raucous venue into raptures again.
Croatia draw level
Following an action-packed first-half, Croatia levelled again, with Petar Musa volleying home seconds before the half-time whistle.
Jude Bellingham puts England 3-2 up
But after a bright start to the second period, Jude Bellingham slotted home after a surging run to put England back in front and sparked further scenes of delerium in the fanzone.
Marcus Rashford makes it 4
Manchester United striker wrapped up the victory as he slotted home Bukayo Saka’s pass to make it 4-2 and a very satisfactory night for England faithful.
There chants of ‘It’s Coming Home’ and a booming rendition of Sweet Caroline following the full-time whistle.
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