TORONTO, Jun 18 (V7N) – England launched their FIFA World Cup campaign with an impressive 4-2 victory over Croatia, avenging their painful semifinal defeat to the same opponents at the 2018 World Cup.

Captain Harry Kane scored twice, while Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford also found the net as the Three Lions secured all three points in an entertaining Group Stage encounter at Toronto Stadium.

England took the lead in the 12th minute after Croatia captain Luka Modric fouled Noni Madueke inside the penalty area. Kane's initial spot-kick was saved by goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic, but the Croatian keeper was judged to have moved off his line before the kick was taken. Given a second opportunity, Kane calmly converted to put England ahead.

Croatia responded in the 36th minute through Martin Baturina, whose brilliant strike brought the match level. England regained the lead six minutes later when Kane rose above the defense to head home from a corner.

The goal saw Kane equal Gary Lineker's record of 10 World Cup goals for England, making them the joint-highest scorers for the nation in the tournament's history.

Croatia refused to surrender and equalized again deep into first-half stoppage time. Petar Musa found the net in the fifth minute of added time, sending the teams into the break level at 2-2.

England emerged from halftime with renewed intensity and restored their advantage just two minutes into the second half. Jude Bellingham surged down the right flank, cut into the penalty area, and finished clinically to make it 3-2.

Croatia pushed for another comeback, but England's defense stood firm. Marcus Rashford sealed the victory in the 85th minute, finishing off a swift attack to score England's fourth goal of the night.

The victory gives England a strong start to their World Cup campaign and places them in a favorable position heading into their next group match.

England will face Ghana in their second World Cup fixture on Tuesday, June 23. The match is scheduled to kick off at 2:00 a.m. Bangladesh time.

END/SMA/AJ