In the video, Modric messes up Croatia… and a mouse saves Harry Kane

One moment was enough to turn the summit. Croatia fans were unaccustomed to their veteran captain’s strike, with Luka Modric making a mistake that cost his country an early penalty against England.

Between the first save that lit up the stands and the referee’s decisive decision to replay, Harry Kane stood up to have his final say and give the Three Lions the perfect start to their World Cup 2026 campaign.

And he started England and Croatia teams Their journey in the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup was a tough-calibre encounter that was not without excitement and controversy from its first minutes.

The match saw a tense moment for Croatia fans when national team captain Luka Modric awarded a penalty to England international Maduike following a tackle in the penalty area which required an immediate decision by the match referee.

England’s all-time top goalscorer Harry Kane stepped up to take the shot but the Croatian keeper made a brilliant save, sparking celebrations from Croatian fans who thought the danger was over.

The Croatians’ joy was short-lived, however, as the match referee, after returning to the video technology, decided to re-award the penalty, which showed the goalkeeper moving ahead of his line before the shot was taken.

In the second attempt, Kane did not lose the opportunity. The England captain this time slotted the ball into the net with enviable concentration and composure to put his country ahead in what is considered one of the most famous summits of the first round of the group stage.