Harry Kane set to lead England's World Cup charge as Group L campaign opens against Croatia

England open their 2026 World Cup campaign on 17 June against Croatia in what is the first of their Group L fixtures, with captain Harry Kane once again shouldering much of the attacking responsibility for Gareth Southgate’s side.

Kane’s form will be pivotal to how far England travel in the tournament. The Bayern Munich striker has been England’s most reliable source of goals for years and arrives at the World Cup as one of the competition’s most watched forwards.

England’s path through Group L will set the tone for any potential deep run. A positive result against Croatia in the opener would provide a platform, though the full group schedule and opposition will shape how the campaign unfolds.

Kane became England’s all-time leading scorer in 2023, surpassing Wayne Rooney’s record of 53 international goals, and has continued to add to that tally. His ability to perform on the biggest stages — he finished as the Premier League’s top scorer in multiple seasons before his move to the Bundesliga — makes him one of the most dangerous strikers in the competition.