Thrilling First Half Ends in 2-2 Draw Between England and Croatia at World Cup 2026

The first half of the World Cup 2026 match between England and Croatia concluded with a thrilling 2-2 draw, featuring dramatic shifts in momentum until the final moments.

England vs. Croatia Match Highlights

Harry Kane opened the scoring for England with a penalty, but Croatia quickly responded, leveling the score through Martin Baturina in the 36th minute.

Baturina’s equalizer came after a precise pass from Petar Sucic inside the penalty area, allowing him to unleash a powerful shot that found the bottom right corner of the net.

However, England regained the lead just before halftime. In the 42nd minute, Declan Rice delivered a corner from the right side, which Kane met with a powerful header that bulged the back of the net, putting England ahead 2-1.

In a dramatic twist, Croatia equalized again in stoppage time of the first half. Petar Musa scored after Ivan Perisic delivered an exquisite cross into the box. Musa capitalized on a well-placed header from his teammate to finish off with a quick touch into the net.

England’s Lineup Against Croatia

Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford.

Defense: Nico O’Reilly – Konsa – Stones – Reece James.

Midfield: Declan Rice – Elliot Anderson – Jude Bellingham.

Attack: Anthony Gordon – Noni Madueke – Harry Kane.

Croatia’s Lineup Against England

Goalkeeper: Dominik Livakovic.

Defense: Josip Stanisic – Josko Gvardiol – Joze Sotalo – Luka Vuskovic.

Midfield: Luka Modric – Mario Pasalic – Martin Baturina – Petar Sucic.

Attack: Ivan Perisic – Petar Musa.