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England Beats Croatia 4-2, Rashford Scores Late Winner

6/21/2026

50 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

England beat Croatia 4-2 in the opening Group L World Cup match in Dallas.
Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford said travelling English fans give the team an added edge.
Coach Thomas Tuchel’s halftime talk sparked a second-half rally that led to Jude Bellingham’s equaliser.
England introduced an attacking trio of Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford and Morgan Rogers.
Marcus Rashford scored five minutes before full time to seal England’s victory.

History

Historical Context

On 30 July 1966 England hosted the eighth FIFA World Cup and, guided by manager Alf Ramsey, beat West Germany 4-2 after extra time before 96,924 spectators at Wembley. The win made England the fifth nation and third host to claim the Jules Rimet trophy, a solitary triumph that still frames expectations for every England squad.

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Story summary

England beat Croatia 4-2 in the opening Group L World Cup match in Dallas.
Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford said travelling English fans give the team an added edge.
Coach Thomas Tuchel’s halftime talk sparked a second-half rally that led to Jude Bellingham’s equaliser.
England introduced an attacking trio of Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford and Morgan Rogers.
Marcus Rashford scored five minutes before full time to seal England’s victory.

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