England Pull Away After the Break to Beat Croatia 4–2

England announced themselves as serious World Cup 2026 contenders with a thrilling 4–2 victory over Croatia at a packed AT&T Stadium in Dallas — a result that, after a wildly entertaining first half, was settled by England's superior firepower after the break.

A Breathless First Half

This was everything a World Cup opener between two heavyweight nations should be. The sides traded blows in an end-to-end first 45 minutes that ended level at 2–2, with both attacks looking dangerous and both defences stretched. Croatia, perennial tournament over-achievers, matched England punch for punch and went in at the break with the contest finely balanced.

For England's supporters, the open nature of the game was thrilling and nerve-wracking in equal measure.

England Take Control

The second half belonged to England. Where Croatia's experienced legs began to tire, England's depth and energy told. They added two more goals after the interval to pull clear at 4–2, managing the closing stages with a maturity that has not always been associated with England at major tournaments.

Scoring four against a side as well-organised and battle-hardened as Croatia is a genuine statement of attacking intent — and a sign that this England team intends to go on the front foot in North America.

What It Means

Three points and a thumping win to open Group L is the dream start for England, and the manner of it — recovering from a frantic first half to dominate the second — will please their coaching staff enormously. Tournament runs are built on momentum, and there is no better way to build it than a high-scoring win over a respected opponent.

Croatia, for all their quality, will be concerned by how the game slipped away after the break. Their golden generation is in its twilight, and recovering from an opening defeat will test their renowned resilience.

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