DALLAS — Harry Kane let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding. His first penalty attempt had been saved, but a Croatian defender’s early run into the box gave the England captain a reprieve. He didn’t waste it.
Slotting the second chance cleanly into the corner, Kane gave the Three Lions a 1-0 lead over Croatia in their World Cup Group L opener here at AT&T Stadium. It wasn’t the cleanest way to break a scoreless tie, but soccer’s record books don’t note the missed attempt — only the goal that ends up on the scoresheet.
That 12th World Cup strike carried more weight than just three points. Kane became just the second English player ever to score at three different World Cups, joining David Beckham’s 1998-2006 run. Kane’s streak spans 2018, 2022 and now 2026 — and he’s done it in only 12 World Cup matches.
A Fast Start in a Long Tournament
The Bayern Munich striker’s efficiency is remarkable. Twelve goals in 12 World Cup appearances puts him in conversation with the all-time greats, even if the competition record (Marta’s 17 for Brazil, Miroslav Klose’s 16 for Germany) still sits above him. But for England, no one has been more reliable on the global stage.
Kane’s penalty drama in Dallas didn’t rattle him. After seeing his initial attempt stopped, he watched Croatia’s defense break the rules — Wout Weghorst-style — and stayed composed enough to bury the re-take. Fans online noted the veteran’s ice-cold demeanor, and his manager will appreciate that Kane didn’t let frustration derail the moment.
The Golden Boot Race Heats Up
With Erling Haaland already on the board for Norway in this tournament, the early golden-boot conversation is naturally turning toward a duel between two of Europe’s most prolific scorers. Kane is 32 and still chasing his first major trophy with England. Haaland is 25 and hungry to prove his club dominance translates to the World Cup stage.
Neither camp is making predictions, but the math is simple: Kane has history and penalty duties on his side. Haaland has raw athleticism and a Norway side that needs him to carry the load.
England’s next group-stage match will tell us more. Croatia won’t roll over, and the Three Lions still have Colombia and then a knockout path that could include Brazil or Germany. But for one night in Texas, Harry Kane reminded everyone that England’s captain is still the man for the big moments — even when he gets two tries at it.
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