The Bayern Munich goal machine entered the match at the Dallas Cowboys' mighty stadium with 112 caps, 78 goals and enormous pressure on him. If England are to come close to a second World Cup gold medal 60 years after the first, he must succeed. And manager Gareth Southgate must find a tighter defense.
There is potential for improvement in the defense. Southgate doesn't need to worry about Kane.
Kane ice-cold penalty taker
How cold is the man?
Kane was awarded the same penalty twice, after Dominik Livakovic was too early to save the first one. Kane picked up the ball, placed it on the spot and sent the opening goal into the same corner.
Luka Modric was the unlucky man who caused the penalty in his 199th international and fifth World Cup start. Noni Madueke didn't think it was wrong. Modric hit Madueke - not the ball - with a clearance kick.
The discussion about the quality of the English centre-backs has been intense. The critics got their money's worth when Petar Sucic turned away John Stones. On the pass, Martin Baturina made it 1–1. The joy did not last long. On Declan Rice's corner, Harry Kane powerfully headed in 2–1.
The English central defense was soon at fault again. Mario Pasalic lifted the ball in, Ivan Perisic headed it down to Petar Musa – Herman Johansson's clubmate at FC Dallas – who equalized.
Lots of chances
Croatia, the 2018 World Cup silver medallist and 2022 bronze medallist, have one of the oldest teams in the tournament and lacked the legs in the second half. Jude Bellingham scored a solo goal to make it 3-2 just two minutes after the break.
England showed their strength, clearly dominating the half, creating chances but Dominik Livakovic made some incredible saves.
Substitutes Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka made it 4–2 in the end.
