The England vs Croatia match, Group L fixture of the FIFA World Cup 2026, experienced a goal-fest 4-2 scoreline in favour of England.
Key Match Stats of England vs Croatia (FIFA World Cup 2026: Group L)
Match Result: England 4 – 2 Croatia
Possession: England 48% – 43% Croatia (9% in Contest)
Shots (On Target): England 22 (11) – 10 (5) Croatia
Corners Won: England 8 – 2 Croatia
Free Kicks: England 12 – 10 Croatia
- With his fifth penalty goal in the World Cup, English star Harry Kane set a new record for most penalty goals in World Cup history (excluding penalty shootout goals). Lionel Messi, Gabriel Batistuta, Rob Rensenbrink, and Eusebio have all recorded four penalty goals in the tournament’s history.
FIFA World Cup 2026 (Group L): England vs Croatia Official Match Stats
Important Moments of England vs Croatia (FIFA World Cup 2026: Group L)
- England earned a penalty in the 10th minute for a foul inside the penalty box. While Harry Kane took the penalty and it was saved, it was correctly retaken after the goalkeeper and a Croatian player broke the rules before the penalty was taken. At the retake, Kane scored the penalty goal, as England took a 1-0 lead in the 12th minute.
- After attempting to beat an English defender inside the penalty box, Petar Sucic put the ball back to Martin Baturina outside the penalty box, who successfully netted to level the scoreline (1-1) in the 36th minute.
- A corner resulted in a 2-1 lead for England in the 42nd minute, as Harry Kane scored his second goal in the match. Declan Rice set up a brilliant cross from the corner, while Kane delivered a strong header to score the goal.
- In the stoppage time of the first half, good teamwork resulted in a 2-2 scoreline for Croatia. Mario Pasalic delivered an over the top ball inside the box, while Ivan Perisic sent it back to unmarked Peter Musa, who successfully netted to level the scoreline.
- In the second minute of the second half, Jude Bellingham had a great run before his close-range shot found the net, as England took a 3-2 lead.
- Marcus Rashford secured the 4-2 win for England in the 85th minute. Bukayo Saka delivered a good ball to Rashford inside the box, and Rashford first fooled the defender in front of him to earn space and then delivered a perfect shot to score.
The Match Status: England vs Croatia (FIFA World Cup 2026: Group L)
England dominated more in the second half. Apart from scoring four goals, including twice in the second half, they managed more good shots in the second half, which were saved to deny any poorer result for Croatia.
FIFA World Cup 2026: Group L Complete Schedule
What does the England vs Croatia (FIFA World Cup 2026: Group L) match mean?
England have got a solid start with a 4-2 win. Meanwhile, Croatia are under little pressure with their unsuccessful start in the tournament.