World Cup 2026: England and Croatia opened their campaigns in a thrilling seven-goal encounter at the Dallas Stadium. All the best images captured the action as England sought revenge for their 2022 semi-final defeat.
First Half Drama
An image from a remote camera above the pitch showed the intensity as England and Croatia faced off in their group game. Photograph: Dan Mullan/FIFA/Getty Images
Fans were in high spirits, with England supporters taking selfies outside the stadium. Photograph: Jessica Tobias/AP
Excitement built in Dallas as kick-off approached. Photograph: Maria Lysaker/Imagn Images/Reuters
Jude Bellingham was seen exercising his vocal chords during the national anthems. Photograph: Martin Rickett/PA
In Kumrovec, northern Croatia, locals watched the match projected on a barn wall. Photograph: Darko Bandić/AP
Following Luka Modric’s foul on Noni Madueke, the referee pointed to the spot. Harry Kane’s stuttering run-up gave Dominik Livakovic time to save the penalty. Photograph: Hannah McKay/Reuters
Fans at Boxpark Wembley could not believe the miss. Photograph: Steven Paston/PA
However, the referee ordered the penalty to be retaken after Josko Gvardiol encroached. This time Kane changed his run-up and sent Livakovic the wrong way, giving England the lead. Photograph: Hannah McKay/Reuters
Jordan Pickford was beaten by a stunning strike from Martin Baturina. Photograph: Stacy Revere/Getty Images
Baturina celebrated with Ivan Perisic after levelling the scores. Photograph: Kai Pfaffenbach/Reuters
England responded almost immediately when Harry Kane headed home to restore their lead. Photograph: Issei Kato/Reuters
A view of the header from behind the goal. Photograph: Hannah McKay/Reuters
Harry was happy. Photograph: Paul Ellis/AFP/Getty Images
On the stroke of half-time, Ivan Perisic cushioned a header down for Petar Musa, who sidefooted across Pickford to make it 2-2. Photograph: Issei Kato/Reuters
Musa wheeled away in celebration. Photograph: Alex Pantling/Fifa/Getty Images
Second Half Decider
Just two minutes after the restart, Jude Bellingham barrelled down the right, cut inside, and lashed a shot across Livakovic to give England the lead again. Photograph: Alex Pantling/Fifa/Getty Images
Bellingham celebrated with fellow goalscorer Harry Kane. Photograph: Marvin Ibo Guengoer/GES Sportfoto/Getty Images
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