Harry Kane leads England to 4-2 win over Croatia in World Cup opener

Harry Kane scored two goals in the first half as England beat Croatia 4-2 to start their World Cup journey in Texas on Wednesday.

Jude Bellingham scored right after half-time and substitute Marcus Rashford added another goal just five minutes before the end. This ensured a strong start for Thomas Tuchel's team after Croatia had come back to tie the game at 2-2.

Kane put England ahead twice in the first half, including one goal from a penalty that was retaken. Croatia's Martin Baturina and Petar Musa responded, bringing the score to 2-2.

Both teams looked shaky in defense, hinting at more goals in the second half. Just two minutes in, Bellingham put England back in front in front of a crowd of 70,000.

England had many chances to increase their lead right after, but it was Rashford who finally secured the win.

This match was a rematch of the 2018 semi-final, which Croatia won 2-1 after extra-time. Since then, England has had better results against one of the older teams in the North American tournament.

Thomas Tuchel's team is looking to win England's first major trophy since 1966. They started nervously in front of a packed stadium at the impressive air-conditioned home of the Dallas Cowboys.

Then the drama unfolded. Croatia's captain Luka Modric tripped Noni Madueke in the box. Kane's first penalty attempt was saved by Dominik Livakovic. But French referee Clement Turpin called for a retake after video replays showed Livakovic had moved off his line.

Turpin had previously sent off Tuchel in the Champions League. English media had pointed out Turpin's role in this match earlier in the week.

Kane kept his cool during the second attempt, shooting to Livakovic's left but this time scoring to give England the lead after 12 minutes.

From then on, it was all England. Real Madrid midfielder Bellingham, who played in the number 10 role instead of Morgan Rogers, charged forward, forcing Livakovic to make a save.

Around the half-hour mark, England should have been 2-0 up, but Bellingham just missed connecting with Madueke's great low cross.

In the 36th minute, Croatia equalized. England lost the ball in midfield, and Petar Sucic's clever footwork left John Stones on the ground as he set up Baturina. The 23-year-old struck the ball first time and sent it past Jordan Pickford, who managed to get a hand to it.

Croatia was level for just six minutes. A corner from Declan Rice found Kane unmarked, and the captain headed it in.

This goal marked Kane's 10th in World Cup history, tying him with Gary Lineker for the most goals by an England player.

Tuchel, who has made winning the World Cup his goal, barely showed any emotion.

Just before the half ended, Musa took advantage of more poor England defending in injury time, scoring from close range to make it 2-2.

The second half began the same way the first half ended, with a goal. Bellingham dashed down the right side and rolled the ball into the corner.

Kane, Nico O'Reilly, and Bellingham all had good chances to push the score to 4-2 as England pressed on Croatia's goal.

With 15 minutes left and England on the back foot, Croatia had several chances, but Rashford made sure of the three points.