Gala from Kane and Co.

“Harry makes history”: Press celebrates England


Updated June 18, 2026 – 2:01 p.mReading time: 2 minutes

Harry Kane celebrates his brace against Croatia.Enlarge the image

Harry Kane celebrates his brace against Croatia. (Source: IMAGO/Wu Xiaoling)

The first matchday of the group stage is complete, England delivered a convincing performance. This is how the press reacted.

This is for Thomas Tuchel and the English national team a tailor-made start. In the first World Cup game in Group L, England defeated Croatia 4:2 (2:2). While the first half was more or less even, England completely took control of the game in the second half.

  • Striker from FC Bayern: Harry Kane sets World Cup record

Outstanding man on the pitch: Harry Kanewho scored two goals (12th minute/penalty, 42nd) and eagerly prevented a goal from being conceded shortly before the end. In addition to him, England also scored Jew Bellingham (47.) and Marcus Rashford (85.). Croatia’s goals were scored by Martin Baturina (36th) and Petar Musar (45th + 5th).

After the English gala in the second half, the international press also reacted euphorically to the game, but there is also one point of criticism.

In the video | Jürgen Klopp hugs his colleagues warmly

Video loads

Player is loading

Source: MagentaTV

“Sun” (England)

“Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham sprinkled some stardust under the roof in Dallas and proved why England are in this World Cup might cause surprises after all. But Thomas Tuchel’s shaky back four mustn’t feel too confident, otherwise the tournament could turn into quite a catastrophe.”

“Mirror” (England)

“Harry makes history! Kane equals Lineker’s World Cup record for England, helps the Three Lions to an exciting win against Croatia and starts the World Cup campaign with a resounding victory.”

Daily Mail (England)

“The Three Lions have the firepower to go far at this World Cup with Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham at the helm – but the team needs to improve quickly defensively.”

“AS” (Spain)

“England didn’t come to the USA for fun. Thanks to a brilliant performance from Kane and Bellingham, the Three Lions crushed the Croatian team, where Modrić appeared overwhelmed and out of ideas.”

“The Athletic” (USA)

“England are almost guaranteed to reach the World Cup knockout stages and top Group L after a thrilling and sometimes chaotic win against Croatia in Dallas.”

“L’Équipe” (France)

“England started their World Cup campaign with a 4-2 win over Croatia on Wednesday in a stunning game. Harry Kane scored a brace to move level with Gary Lineker as England’s top goalscorer at a World Cup.”

ttn-10