SOCCER: England take over in second half to roar past Croatia

Harry Kane scored a first-half brace as England national football team opened its World Cup campaign with a 4-2 victory over Croatia national football team on Wednesday in an entertaining Group L match at Arlington, Texas.

The Three Lions secured their third win in four major international tournament meetings with Croatia, despite twice surrendering the lead. The result also provided a measure of revenge for England’s lone defeat in that stretch — a 2-1 extra-time loss in the 2018 World Cup semifinals.

Croatia responded strongly in the first half through goals from Martin Baturina and Petar Musa, keeping the match level at 2-2 before halftime. England, however, dominated after the break.

England midfielder Jude Bellingham restored the lead just two minutes into the second half, scoring in the 47th minute after a swift attack down the right flank. Elliot Anderson delivered the ball wide to Bellingham, while Noni Madueke’s central run helped disrupt Croatia’s defensive shape. The Real Madrid midfielder capitalized on the space, driving into the box and finishing low off the inside of the far post.

Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livaković kept his side in contention with a string of crucial saves, including a remarkable triple stop in the 56th minute to deny Nico O'Reilly, Anthony Gordon, and Ezri Konsa. He followed that up moments later with two saves to prevent Kane from completing a second career World Cup hat trick.

England eventually sealed the result in the 85th minute when Marcus Rashford added a fourth goal. The move began down the right side with Morgan Rogers involved in the buildup before Bukayo Saka switched play to Rashford on the left. The forward cut inside onto his right foot and finished low beyond Livaković.

Kane had earlier put England in control before halftime, taking his World Cup tally to 10 goals. In the 12th minute, he converted from the penalty spot on a second attempt after Livaković was ruled to have come off his line early on the initial save. He added a second in the 42nd minute, heading in from a corner delivered by Declan Rice after Croatia had briefly drawn level.

England will next face Ghana in their second group-stage match, while Croatia takes on Panama. -Field Level Media/Reuters