Tech
Jun 17, 20261
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England's Wags Celebrate Dominant World Cup Opener Against Croatia
England's wives and girlfriends supported the team at their World Cup opener in Arlington, Texas, as the Three Lions defeated Croatia 4-2 with impressive performances from Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham. The players celebrated with their partners after the victory, marking a successful start to England's campaign.
Quick Facts
Who
England national football team
What
England defeated Croatia at World Cup opener
When
June 17, 2026
Where
Arlington, Texas
- England defeated Croatia at World Cup opener
- Players celebrated with partners in stands
- Harry Kane scored twice
- Jude Bellingham scored
- Marcus Rashford scored
England's wives and girlfriends were in attendance at Arlington, Texas to support their partners in the Three Lions' opening World Cup match against Croatia on June 17, 2026. The squad delivered an impressive performance, securing a 4-2 victory with notable contributions from Harry Kane, who scored twice, and Jude Bellingham, who added a crucial goal in the second half. After the final whistle, players joined their partners in the stands to celebrate the victory.
Among the notable Wags present were Katie Goodland, wife of two-goal hero Harry Kane, who shared an intimate moment with her husband after the match. Jude Bellingham's girlfriend Ashlyn Castro, a Los Angeles influencer, wore an England shirt and was spotted kissing her partner at full-time while seated next to Bellingham's parents. Megan Pickford, wife of goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, overcame a travel mishap to attend the match, having lost her luggage in transit but managing to borrow jeans and wear the shirt she travelled in. Other partners in attendance included Ollie Watkins' wife Ellie and Declan Rice's partner Lauren Fryer.
England's attacking display saw them take an early lead through Kane's retaken penalty before Croatia equalized twice, creating a back-and-forth contest. However, England dominated the second half, with Bellingham restoring their lead just 90 seconds after the interval. Substitute Marcus Rashford sealed the victory with a curled finish in the 85th minute. The result generated significant celebration among English fans at home, with pubs across the country packed despite concerns about late kick-off times affecting viewership during the tournament.
The victory sets up an encouraging start to England's campaign under manager Thomas Tuchel, with the squad's next fixture against Ghana scheduled for Tuesday at 9pm. The comprehensive win demonstrates the attacking prowess England will rely upon throughout the tournament as they bid to end their 60-year wait to win the World Cup.
Why This Matters
England's dominant 4-2 World Cup opener showcases the team's attacking capability and provides momentum heading into the tournament under Thomas Tuchel. The comprehensive victory demonstrates their strength in both halves, with key players like Kane and Bellingham delivering when it matters most. This sets a positive tone for England's push to end their 60-year World Cup drought, while the strong support from partners reflects the tight-knit squad culture that contributes to team morale and performance.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 17, 2026
WireNews article published by The Sun