England beat Croatia 1-0 on retaken penalty in World Cup 2026 Group L match

England defeated Croatia 1-0 in a World Cup 2026 Group L match at Dallas Stadium on 17 June 2026. Harry Kane scored the only goal from a penalty in the 12th minute. The sequence began when Noni Madueke beat Luka Modric to a loose ball inside the box after a corner.

Modric fouled Madueke, and the referee awarded England the spot kick. Kane's initial penalty was saved by Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic. The kick was ordered retaken after Croatia players entered the box early, and Kane placed his second effort into the bottom right corner.

Match commentary at 20:11 GMT stated: "Goal! England 1, Croatia 0. " The goal marked England's first of the tournament. It came after an opening period in which Croatia applied sustained high pressure.

Croatia created the first chance when Josip Sutalo headed over from a corner in the second minute. England responded with a shot from Harry Kane that was deflected wide in the eighth minute. Croatia continued to press in the opening stages, forcing England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford into several long clearances.

England gradually found more space on the flanks as Croatia's intensity dropped. England lined up with Jordan Pickford in goal, a back four of Nico O'Reilly, John Stones, Ezri Konsa and Reece James, and a midfield including Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson. Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke started on the wings.

Croatia deployed a three-man defense featuring teenager Luka Vuskovic alongside Josko Gvardiol and Josip Sutalo. Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic provided experience in midfield.