England dispatch Croatia 4-2 in World Cup thriller
England dispatch Croatia 4-2 in World Cup thriller
England began their World Cup campaign with a dramatic dispatch of 4-2 victory over Croatia after a thrilling encounter filled with attacking football and late excitement.
The Three Lions started brightly and were rewarded in the 12th minute when captain Harry Kane converted a penalty to give England the lead.
Croatia responded strongly and levelled the contest in the 36th minute through Martin Baturina, who produced a fine strike from outside the box.
England regained control before the interval as Kane scored his second goal of the match in the 42nd minute, heading home from a corner to restore the advantage.
However, Croatia refused to collapse and equalised again deep into first-half stoppage time, with Petar Musa finishing a swift attacking move in the 45th minute plus five minutes.
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The teams went into the break level at 2-2 after an entertaining first half that saw both sides display attacking intent.
England returned strongly after the restart and regained the lead just two minutes into the second half.
Jude Bellingham scored in the 47th minute after a determined solo run and finish, putting England ahead for the third time.
Croatia continued searching for another comeback, but England’s defence remained composed while their forwards created further opportunities.
The Three Lions sealed the victory in the 85th minute when Marcus Rashford finished clinically after a pass from Bukayo Saka.
The final whistle confirmed a 4-2 win for England, with Kane, Bellingham and Rashford providing the goals that secured a memorable World Cup triumph.
