England has made a winning start to their FIFA World Cup campaign after defeating Croatia 4-2 in an entertaining Group L encounter, with captain Harry Kane scoring twice.
Kane put England ahead from the penalty spot in the 12th minute, but Croatia drew level through Martin Baturina in the 36th minute.
The England skipper struck again in the 42nd minute to restore his side's lead before Petar Musa equalised for Croatia in first-half injury time to send the teams into the break locked at 2-2.
England regained the advantage shortly after halftime when Jude Bellingham found the back of the net in the 47th minute, while Marcus Rashford added a fourth goal in the 85th minute to secure all three points.
The result gives England an early boost in Group L as they chase a place in the knockout stages.
England are featuring in their 17th FIFA World Cup and are aiming to win the tournament for the second time after lifting the trophy in 1966.
Croatia, who are making their seventh World Cup appearance, entered the tournament after impressive recent campaigns that saw them finish runners-up in 2018 and third in 2022.
England's next Group L match will be against Ghana next Wednesday at 8am before they face Panama next Sunday at 9am.
Croatia will take on Panama next Wednesday at 11am before meeting Ghana next Sunday at 9am in their remaining group fixtures.
Meanwhile, Portugal and DR Congo settled for a 1-all draw earlier this morning.
Ghana will face Panama at 11am while Uzbekistan will take on Colombia at 2pm.
Stay with us for updates.
Source: BBC Sports
