England recorded an emphatic 4-2 victory against Croatia in Group L at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Three Lions captain, Harry Kane, was allowed to retake his penalty twice after Dominic Livakovic saved his first effort. Thomas Tuchel's team will now shift their focus to Ghana and Panama in their other group stage matches.
Match Summary
Harry Kane scored a brace as England defeated Croatia 4-2 in their opening Group L match at Dallas Stadium, Arlington, on Wednesday, June 17. England took an early lead after Noni Madueke won a penalty when he was fouled by Luka Modric inside the box. Referee Clement Turpin pointed to the spot without hesitation.
In the 12th minute, Kane converted at the second attempt to put the Three Lions ahead and register his 80th international goal. Croatia levelled in the 36th minute through a stunning strike from Martin Baturina, but the parity was short-lived as Kane restored England's lead with a powerful header in the 42nd minute.
The Vatreni responded again just before halftime, with Petar Musa finishing off a well-worked move in stoppage time to make it 2-2. However, Croatia failed to build on that momentum after the break. Jude Bellingham fired England back in front just two minutes into the second half. Marcus Rashford then sealed the victory in the 85th minute, ensuring England started their World Cup campaign with all three points.
The Three Lions will next face Ghana on June 23 before concluding their group-stage fixtures against Panama on June 28.
Why Kane Was Allowed to Retake His Penalty
Harry Kane stepped up to take the penalty after Noni Madueke was fouled inside the box for England. The Bayern Munich striker saw his initial effort saved by Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic, but the drama was not over. After a VAR review, the referee ordered the penalty to be retaken after replays showed that Livakovic had moved off his goal line before the ball was kicked.
Under Law 14 of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) Laws of the Game, goalkeepers must have at least part of one foot touching, in line with, or behind the goal line when a penalty is taken. If a goalkeeper infringes this rule and prevents a goal from being scored, the penalty must be retaken. The IFAB law states: 'When the ball is kicked, the defending goalkeeper must have at least part of one foot touching, in line with, or behind, the goal line.' Livakovic saved his first effort but had stepped off his line, leading to the retake.
The 32-year-old made no mistake with his second attempt, converting from the spot to give England an early lead. Meanwhile, Kane matched Gary Lineker's mark when he easily beat Livakovic with a powerful header off a corner kick from Declan Rice, and now has 81 international goals.
