World Cup 2026: England v Croatia goals, highlights & reaction

Harry Kane said he knew his stuttered run-up might draw goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic off his goalline – enabling him to score a penalty at the second attempt in England’s 4-2 win over Croatia.

The striker was able to give England the lead from the penalty spot – but only thanks to the video assistant referee (VAR).

After Luka Modric fouled Noni Madueke, Kane stepped up – and saw his first effort saved by Croatia keeper Livakovic. The VAR stepped in to give Kane a second chance because Livakovic was off his line.

“When I watched the clips I saw he likes to move early, so I knew that there was a chance that if I did the stutter that he would come off the line,” Kane told BBC Sport.

“I was 80% sure that it was off the line, I wasn’t 100% sure, then obviously when it got retaken I changed the technique a little bit. This is all why I do the research, and in the end it worked out nicely for me.”

At the time a penalty is taken the keeper must have one foot on or above the line, and images showed that Livakovic had moved fractionally too soon. But even if the keeper had stayed on his line, the penalty would still have been retaken.

After Livakovic made the save the loose ball dropped to Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol to clear for Croatia. But he had also moved too quickly and was inside the area when Kane took his first attempt.