Kane’s Double Lifts England Past Croatia 4-2 in World Cup Rematch

England secured a dominant 4-2 victory over Croatia in a thrilling World Cup group-stage match late Wednesday, avenging their 2018 semifinal loss. The match, which kicked off late on Wednesday evening, featured two goals from Harry Kane and a late strike from substitute Marcus Rashford to seal the win.

Kane opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 12th minute after Luka Modric fouled an English player in the box. Although Dominik Livakovic saved the initial spot-kick, referee ordered a retake and Kane made no mistake on the second attempt. Croatia responded in the 36th minute when Martin Baturina finished a pass from Petar Sucic into the left corner of the net.

England regained the lead in the 42nd minute through a header from Kane off a corner delivered by Declan Rice. However, Croatia equalised again in first-half stoppage time (45+5) with a well-worked move: Ivan Perisic headed a cross from Mario Pasalic to Petar Musa, who slotted home to make it 2-2 at halftime.

Jude Bellingham put England back ahead early in the second half with a goal from a quick counterattack. England dominated possession (52%) and created numerous chances, but Livakovic kept Croatia in the game with several saves. It was not until the 85th minute that Rashford, introduced as a substitute, found the back of the net to secure the 4-2 victory.

England finished with 22 total shots, 11 on target, while Croatia managed 10 attempts with five on goal. The two teams previously met in the 2018 World Cup semifinal, where Croatia won 2-1 after extra time. Group L also includes Ghana and Panama.