England began their 2026 World Cup campaign in style as second-half goals from Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford added to a brace from Harry Kane as Thomas Tuchel's team overcame Croatia in a thrilling Group L opener in Dallas.
Croatia twice pegged England back in the first 45, but England emerged for the second half reborn and would have won by more were it not for an inspired performance from Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic.
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England qualified for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico with ease, winning all of their games and avoiding conceding a single goal.
That record, plus the form of star players such as Kane for their clubs this season means many see England as real World Cup contenders.
As ever, though, the country will have to keep at bay the demons that have plagued the 60 years of hurt that have passed since their sole World Cup triumph in 1966.
In between two European Championship final defats, England reached the quarterfinals in Qatar four years ago where they were knocked out by France.
Tonight's Group L opponents famously emerged victorious when the teams met at the semifinal stage of the 2018 World Cup, but with several of their big names in the twilight of their playing careers, less is expected of Luka Modric and Co on the other side of the Atlantic.
Fellow Group L sides Ghana and Panama face off later shortly after the full-time whistle is blown in Texas.
