England v Croatia Player Ratings, Match Stats and Timeline

England got off to a winning start at the 2026 World Cup with a 4-2 victory in an entertaining match in Dallas.

England took the lead in the 12th minute when Harry Kane scored from the penalty spot after seeing his initial effort saved, before being handed a reprieve due to encroachment.

Croatia equalised in the 36th minute as Martin Baturina curled a right-footed effort past Jordan Pickford, who had got a hand to the ball and arguably should have done better.

The Three Lions restored their advantage courtesy of a Kane header from a Declan Rice corner, but they were pegged back again in first-half injury time as Petar Musa volleyed home.

Jude Bellingham gave England the lead for a third time two minutes after the restart and the Three Lions had plenty of chances to extend their lead thereafter.

Some excellent goalkeeping from Dominik Livakovic kept Croatia in the game but Thomas Tuchel's side wrapped up the victory five minutes from time through substitute Marcus Rashford.

England take on Ghana in their next World Cup fixture on Tuesday and they will be full of confidence after a positive start in Dallas.

England Player Ratings

Jordan Pickford - 6

Should have done better with Croatia's opening goal and looked a little edgy at times.

Reece James - 7

Solid showing from the Chelsea right-back who also showed his versatility by slotting into midfield in the closing stages.

Ezri Konsa - 7

The Aston Villa defender got better the longer the game went on following a nervy start.

John Stones - 6

He doesn't look entirely comfortable playing as the left-sided defender but it will do wonders for his fitness.

Nico O'Reilly - 7

He should have bagged himself a goal but he continues to ooze class at left-back.

Elliot Anderson - 8

Bigger challenges await later in the tournament but Anderson controlled the midfield for England.

Declan Rice - 7

Excellent corner for England's second and eventually tired before being given a rest.

Jude Bellingham - 8

Proved why he was selected in the number 10 position and took his goal superbly well.

Noni Madueke - 7

The Arsenal winger proved an able deputy for Bukayo Saka and he had plenty of joy on the right.

Anthony Gordon - 6

Barcelona's new signing was quieter than Madueke and he should have done better with a close-range header.

Harry Kane - 9

Magnificent. Two goals, excellent link-up play and a goal-saving block at the death.

Bukayo Saka - 7

A good cameo as he works his way back to full fitness and a good assist for England's fourth.

Morgan Rogers - 6

The Aston Villa man didn't see too much of the ball but his time will come this summer.

Marcus Rashford - 8

Took his goal well as one of England's 'finishers' and he will have a big role over the next month.

Djed Spence - 7

Almost earned himself a goal and looked solid up against Ivan Perisic.

Marc Guehi - 6

Brought on in the closing stages and will want to force his way into the starting line-up.

England v Croatia Match Stats

England		Croatia
51.7%	Possession	48.3%
22	Shots	10
11	Shots on Target	5
3	Goalkeeper Saves	7
10	Fouls Committed	12
8	Corners	2
473	Total Passes	442
85.8%	Pass Accuracy	86.0%
9	Tackles	11
77.8%	Tackles Won	63.6%
16	Clearances	17
0	Yellow Cards	0
0	Red Cards	0

England v Croatia Timeline

12' - Goal for England. Scored by Harry Kane.
36' - Goal for Croatia. Scored by Martin Baturina, assisted by Petar Sucic.
42' - Goal for England. Scored by Harry Kane, assisted by Declan Rice.
45+6' - Goal for Croatia. Scored by Petar Musa, assisted by Ivan Perisic.
47' - Goal for England. Scored by Jude Bellingham.
58' - Substitution for Croatia, Luka Modric replaced by Mateo Kovacic.
66' - Substitutions for Croatia, Petar Musa and Luka Vuskovic replaced by Marco Pasalic and Igor Matanović.
72' - Substitutions for England, Declan Rice, Noni Madueke and Anthony Gordon replaced by Morgan Rogers, Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka.
79' - Substitutions for Croatia, Mario Pasalic and Martin Baturina areplaced by Nikola Vlasic and Andrej Kramarić.
80' - Substitution for England, Jude Bellingham replaced by Djed Spence.
85' - Goal for England. Scored by Marcus Rashford, assisted by Bukayo Saka.
87' - Substitution for England, John Stones replaced by Marc Guehi.