It was another nail-biting evening for England as they took on Croatia in their World Cup group stage clash, with fans once again being put through the emotional wringer.
After a shaky start, England brought a new energy to the pitch after half time and went on to secure a 4-2 victory, with goals from Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford.
Crowds both at home and abroad erupted in celebration after the win, as pints of beer were sent flying and supporters proudly belted out the national anthem.
Fans quickly took to social media as the game got underway, serving up their usual blend of hope and panic.
One person pointed out that despite a new manager and a fresh tournament, the experience of watching England play still feels just as nerve-wracking as ever.
But, it was far from a dull night, with momentum swinging back and forth, as fans clung to each and every moment of play.
Early in the game, debate flared over Harry Kane’s first-half penalty, which was retaken after Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livaković was penalised for encroachment.
The decision sparked plenty of discussion online, with fans split over whether it was the right call.
“The goalkeeper’s right leg was exactly on the goal line when Harry Kane touched that ball on the penalty kick. Isn’t having one leg on the goal line enough? Why the penalty retake?” one person said.
“I think it's time to review the goalkeeper line rule during penalties,” said another.
The goalkeeper’s right leg was exactly on the goal line when Harry Kane touched that ball on the penalty kick. Isn’t having one leg on the goal line enough? Why the penalty retake? #ENGCRO #worldcup
— JinxJedi (@jinxjedi) June 17, 2026
Dear @FIFAWorldCup, I think it's time to review the goalkeeper line rule during penalties.
— Defi⚡️Wills (@defiwillsx) June 17, 2026
If a goalkeeper leaves the line early and the striker scores, nobody complains because the goal stands.
But if the goalkeeper saves it, the penalty is retaken.#FIFA #VAR #ENGCRO pic.twitter.com/u3Djqn79HK
“If a goalkeeper leaves the line early and the striker scores, nobody complains because the goal stands.
“But if the goalkeeper saves it, the penalty is retaken.”
During a second-half surge of energy from England, fans praised Tuchel’s side as well as the Croatian goalkeeper, who saved a number of England’s shots on target.
“England with a sequence of attacks, good job Tuchel. This is a world cup performance,” one person said.
The lads were on another level tonight. Not getting carried away, but it could be coming home. Good job England. #ENGCRO #SSFootball
— John Gitau Njoki ™ (@PabloJohny) June 17, 2026
“That Croatian goalie is getting terrorised,” another said.
“Croatia's boss should thank his keeper today, without him it could have been 7-2 to England,” another person added.
On a serious note that first half we were way to deep. Brung Tuchel in to play attacking football. Yet we had 7 players in the backline for the second goal. Second half so much better! 🏴❤️ #ENGCRO https://t.co/JtCe5HUIeh
— Louie 🏴 (@tudorarmyfan) June 17, 2026
Elsewhere, hydration breaks also became a talking point, with some supporters saying that they disrupted the flow of the game.
There were reports of boos in the stadium from both sets of fans as they showed their disdain for the controversial new innovation.
And this feeling was shared by those at home as well.
“Why do they need a hydration break? The stadium is air conditioned,” one person said.
“Widespread boos for the hydration break midway through the half. For a game indoors, played at 22C. Crazy new ruling that kills the momentum. Please make the pause stop,” said another.
England’s victory tonight will have sewn seeds of hope in the hearts of many England fans that maybe it will be ‘coming home’ this year, but it’s still too early to call.
For now, all they can do is keep the faith.
England are due to play Panama on Saturday, June 27.
