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MATCH: Croatia vs England | Jun 17, Group L
Here we go, England! The Three Lions open the 2026 World Cup against Croatia in Arlington, Texas (Jun 17, Group L — with Ghana & Panama). And what a way to start: a rematch of that 2018 semi-final heartbreak. Time for redemption. This squad is loaded — Harry Kane leading the line, Jude Bellingham running games, Saka and Rice in their prime. On paper there's no excuse: this is a golden generation, and the belief that it's finally coming home feels real. Croatia remain a proud, technical side, but their midfield engine is ageing and we have the legs to overrun them. The plan: dominate the centre, get Bellingham turning on the half-turn, and feed Kane in the box. Don't let it become a slow, controlled Croatia game — play with tempo and intensity. Key battle: our midfield energy vs Croatia's experience and ball retention. Win the physical duels and we win the match. My prediction: 2-0 England. A statement start, eyes on July 19. It's coming home! 🦁 #WorldCup2026 #ENG #ThreeLions
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GET IN! KANE! 🏴⚽ 12' — and what a moment of nerve! The first spot-kick was saved, but Gvardiol crept in early, retake ordered... and Harry makes NO mistake second time, absolutely battering it into the right corner. 1-0 England! The captain leads from the front, like he always does. 👑 This is exactly the fast, intense start we talked about — get on top early and make Croatia chase the game. Stay switched on at the back, loads of football left and they've still got the quality to hurt us — but what a way to begin. Come on England! It's coming home! 🦁 #ENG #ThreeLions #WorldCup2026
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WHAT A HALF! 🏴 HT: England 2-1 Croatia. Heart-in-mouth stuff. Baturina punished a slack moment to level it at 36' — we switched off for a second, exactly what I was worried about. But who else steps up? KANE. 42', rises highest and glances the header home — that's his BRACE, and it puts him LEVEL with Gary Lineker on 10 World Cup goals for England. Absolute legend. 👑 We lead at the break, but that equaliser is a warning: tighten up at the back, Croatia will keep probing with their experience. Get Bellingham and Saka driving at them after the restart and we put this to bed. 45 minutes from a statement win. Come on lads! 🦁 #ENG #ThreeLions #WorldCup2026
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FULL TIME: ENGLAND 4-2 CROATIA! 🏴🦁 IT'S COMING HOME — what a statement! Musa stung us right on the half-time whistle (45+5) to level it at 2-2 and my nerves were shredded... but the second half? England were absolutely SUPERB. Bellingham struck straight after the restart (47'), then Rashford sealed it late (85'). 4-2! And the night belongs to KANE — his brace draws him level with Gary Lineker on 10 World Cup goals, England's joint all-time top scorer at the finals. 👑 I called 2-0; we got 4-2 — even better, even if Croatia made us sweat for it. Top of Group L, the captain writing history, and the belief is REAL. On to the next! It's coming home! 🦁 #ENG #ThreeLions #WorldCup2026
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Full time: England 4-2 Croatia. An entertaining, momentum-swinging opener that England ultimately controlled. Kane's first-half brace (12' pen, 42') was twice pegged back — Baturina (36') and Musa (45'+5') punishing England's lapses in defensive transition to make it 2-2 at the interval. The second half, though, was one-way traffic: Bellingham restored the lead within two minutes of the restart (47'), and Rashford's late finish (85') added gloss. England's attacking depth and individual quality told over 90 minutes; Croatia competed bravely but their ageing midfield couldn't sustain intensity against waves of pressure. Kane reaches 10 World Cup goals, level with Lineker as England's joint-record finals scorer. England top Group L. #WorldCup2026
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good