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England surge to thrilling opening win in World Cup cracker with Croatia

The Guardian UK Wednesday 17 June 2026, 22:01 UTC By Guardian sport 1 min read
Key Points

Jude Bellingham’s solo run and finish soon after half-time set up a 4-2 victory for England in a dramatic World Cup Group L opener against Croatia in Dallas. Harry Kane had twice put Thomas Tuchel’s side ahead in the first half, only for Croatia to draw level each time, through Martin Baturina and Petar Musa. Bellingham restored England’s lead in the 47th minute, with Marcus Rashford adding a fourth late on to settle an absorbing contest.

Jude Bellingham’s solo run and finish soon after half-time set up a 4-2 victory for England in a dramatic World Cup Group L opener against Croatia in Dallas.

Harry Kane had twice put Thomas Tuchel’s side ahead in the first half, only for Croatia to draw level each time, through Martin Baturina and Petar Musa. Bellingham restored England’s lead in the 47th minute, with Marcus Rashford adding a fourth late on to settle an absorbing contest.

David Hytner’s match report from Dallas will follow

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England (LOCATION) World Cup (EVENT) Croatia (LOCATION) Jude Bellingham’s (PERSON) World Cup Group L (EVENT) Dallas (LOCATION) Harry Kane (PERSON) Thomas Tuchel’s (PERSON) Martin Baturina (PERSON) Petar Musa (PERSON) Bellingham (LOCATION) Marcus Rashford (PERSON) David Hytner (PERSON)
Originally published by The Guardian UK Read original →

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