For decades, England fans have asked the same question every major tournament:
Is football finally coming home?
After Wednesday’s thrilling 4-2 victory over Croatia in Arlington, Texas, the answer suddenly feels more realistic than ever.
England opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with one of the most entertaining performances of the tournament so far, defeating a talented Croatian side in a match that had everything: goals, drama, momentum swings, and superstar performances. Harry Kane scored twice, Jude Bellingham delivered another big-game moment, and Marcus Rashford added the finishing touch as the Three Lions announced themselves as serious contenders.
The match wasn’t perfect. Croatia fought back twice and exposed some defensive weaknesses, turning a comfortable start into a nervy contest. Martin Baturina and Petar Musa both found the net, reminding England that tournament football rarely comes easy. But unlike some England teams of the past, this squad responded immediately. When pressure arrived, they attacked. When momentum shifted, they took it back.
Much of that confidence comes from Kane and Bellingham.
Kane’s two goals moved him level with Gary Lineker’s England World Cup scoring record and further cemented his place among the nation’s all-time greats. Meanwhile, Bellingham once again looked like a player built for the biggest stages, scoring the crucial goal just moments into the second half to restore England’s lead.
Perhaps the most encouraging sign was England’s mentality. Thomas Tuchel challenged his side at halftime after a shaky opening 45 minutes, and the response was immediate. England came out aggressive, attacking on the front foot and overwhelming Croatia for long stretches of the second half. Tuchel later said he wanted fans back home to enjoy what they were watching—and England certainly delivered.
Of course, one win doesn’t guarantee anything. England’s defense still has questions to answer after conceding twice, and tougher tests will come later in the tournament. Croatia’s manager Zlatko Dalić even called his team’s set-piece defending the worst of his tenure, highlighting how England exploited weaknesses on dead-ball situations.
But World Cups are often about momentum, belief, and stars rising to the occasion.
England now sits atop Group L and heads into matches against Ghana and Panama full of confidence. With Kane leading the line, Bellingham controlling games, and attacking talent everywhere across the squad, the Three Lions have exactly what every contender needs: firepower.
The famous chant has echoed through pubs, stadiums, and living rooms for nearly sixty years.
After one electric night in Texas, England supporters are singing it a little louder.
Is it coming home?
For the first time in a long time, it feels like a question worth taking seriously.
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