Harry Kane has handed England the perfect start in their World Cup 2026 opener against Croatia in a Group L opener that is a repeat of their semi-final eight years ago.
A dramatic start saw Luke Modric foul Noni Madueke, with Kane missing initially, but a retake was ordered and the Bayern striker made no mistake second time.
Tuchel has made the decision to leave out Bukayo Saka, who needs his fitness managed as he battles an injury. Captain Harry Kane will lead the line in a tournament where the big names have wasted no time in making their impact, with Anthony Gordon, Jude Bellingham and Noni Madueke in support.
While Croatia are much-changed, and arguably a lesser force, compared to the team that broke England hearts in Russia, Modric remains at the heart of their midfield in a group also featuring Ghana and Panama.
Follow all the action below with kick-off set for 3pm local time or 9pm BST:
England 1-0 Croatia: Kane opens scoring for Three Lions
Chris Wilson17 June 2026 21:19
England 1-0 Croatia
16 mins
At the other end, Madueke does well to get free down the right, and he eventually wins a corner.
Anderson finds space for a shot from the set-piece, but there are too many bodies in the box.
Chris Wilson17 June 2026 21:17
England 1-0 Croatia
14 mins
Almost an opening for Croatia as Musa finds himself breaking free in the box, but there’s an important intervention from Bellingham.
Croatia might want a penalty for James dragging him back, but it was never going to be given.
Chris Wilson17 June 2026 21:16
GOAL! England 1-0 Croatia (Kane pen., 12′)
12 mins
GOAL! Kane steps up again and rifles it into the bottom corner!
Nerves of steel from the captain, who chooses the same corner again but makes no mistake this time, with Livakovic diving the other way.
Kane is the second Englishman to score at three World Cups after David Beckham.
Chris Wilson17 June 2026 21:13
PENALTY RETAKE! England 0-0 Croatia
11 mins
Livakovic was off his line and the spot-kick will be retaken!
Drama early on in Arlington!
Chris Wilson17 June 2026 21:11
PENALTY MISSED! England 0-0 Croatia
10 mins
Kane steps up, stutters…and it’s saved! Livakovic was equal to it!
But hang on, it ight be retaken! Was the Croatian ‘keeper off his line?
Chris Wilson17 June 2026 21:11
PENALTY FOR ENGLAND! England 0-0 Croatia
9 mins
PENALTY FOR ENGLAND! No doubt about this one, and it’s a golden chance for the Three Lions!
There’s some pinball in the box from the corner, and Modric looks to boot it clear but Madueke sneaks up on him and nips in to get the ball before the Croatian.
Modric’s follow-through wipes Madueke out and it’s a stonewall penalty!
Chris Wilson17 June 2026 21:10
England 0-0 Croatia
7 mins
Quite stop-start early on, with neither side able to get into a rhythm yet.
England are beginning to settle in possession though, and their first foray forward ends in Kane’s shot being deflected behind for a corner.
Chris Wilson17 June 2026 21:08
England 0-0 Croatia
5 mins
More high pressure from Croatia but Rice manages to clear well before the Three Lions win back possession.
Kane’s first touch sees the captain try and find the clever diagonal run of Gordon but his pass is intercepted.
Chris Wilson17 June 2026 21:05
England 0-0 Croatia
3 mins
The corner finds Sutalo unmarked at the far post, but he hooks a difficult volley over the bar.
Chris Wilson17 June 2026 21:03NewerOlder