England Survives Thrilling Four-Goal Shootout with Croatia

England made a statement in their opening group-stage fixture, outlasting Croatia 4-2 in a breathless encounter at AT&T Stadium before 70,389 fans. Harry Kane set the tone early with a penalty conversion in the 12th minute, but Croatia refused to fade quietly—Martin Baturina equalized moments later. Kane restored England's lead just before halftime, only for Petar Musa to level again at the stroke of the interval. The turning point arrived in the 47th minute when Jude Bellingham fired England ahead for good, and Marcus Rashford sealed the victory with a late goal in the 85th. England's attacking prowess proved decisive, though their defensive vulnerabilities in the opening stages suggest tougher tests may lie ahead in the group stage.