Kane equals England World Cup scoring record in victory over Croatia

TLE DESK: Harry Kane scored twice to equal England’s all-time World Cup scoring record as the Three Lions opened their FIFA World Cup campaign with a 4-2 victory over Croatia on Wednesday.

Kane’s brace took his World Cup tally to 10 goals, matching the record set by Gary Lineker during the 1986 and 1990 tournaments. The England captain now has 81 international goals overall.

England were made to work hard for the win in a rematch of the 2018 World Cup semifinal. Kane opened the scoring from the penalty spot after a video review ruled Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic had moved off his line during the initial save.

Croatia responded through Martin Baturina before Kane restored England’s lead with a powerful header from a Declan Rice corner. However, Petar Musa equalised just before halftime, leaving the match level at 2-2.

England regained control shortly after the restart when Jude Bellingham scored two minutes into the second half after racing onto a long pass from Elliot Anderson. Marcus Rashford sealed the victory with a late goal in the 85th minute.

England coach Thomas Tuchel praised his team’s second-half response after a disappointing end to the opening period.

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic acknowledged England’s superiority, saying his side failed to match the opposition defensively despite scoring twice.

The victory places England in a strong position in Group L ahead of their next match against Ghana, while Croatia will face Panama in their second group-stage fixture.