Harry Kane netted a brace as England began their World Cup campaign. (Photo/Reuters)
Harry Kane has netted a brace as England began their World Cup Group L campaign with a 4-2 victory over Croatia.
Kane opened the scoring with a retaken penalty in the 12th minute before Croatia levelled 24 minutes later when Martin Baturina capitalised on errors by England's midfield and unleashed a shot that Jordan Pickford got a hand to but could not stop.
Kane then equalled the England World Cup scoring record of 10 goals held by Gary Lineker when he was given the freedom of the penalty box to head home from a Declan Rice corner in the 42nd minute.
But Croatia made it 2-2 in the fifth minute of time added on at the end of the first half when Petar Musa was picked out by Ivan Perisic's deft header, and he blasted the ball past Pickford.
Two minutes after the interval, Bellingham sprinted half the length of the pitch after being set free by Elliot Anderson, and his low-angled shot went in off the post before a counter-attacking move finished by Rashford in the 85th minute made sure of the win, which leaves England well placed in Group L, which includes Ghana and Panama, who play later on Wednesday.
England next plays Ghana in Foxborough, Massachusetts, in Group L on Tuesday, the same day Croatia plays Panama in Toronto.
___
Source: TRT