Harry Kane scored twice to match England's all-time World Cup scoring record, while Jude Bellingham netted the decisive goal as England secured a 4-2 victory over Croatia in their Group L opener on Wednesday.
The match was a repeat of the 2018 World Cup semifinal, with Croatia twice coming from behind in the first half through goals from Martin Baturina and Petar Musa after Kane had put England ahead on both occasions.
Musa's equaliser arrived just before halftime, but England regained control shortly after the restart.
Two minutes into the second half, Bellingham latched onto a long pass from Elliot Anderson, broke clear of the defense and fired a shot that struck the far post before finding the net to restore England's lead. Marcus Rashford added a late goal in the 85th minute to seal the win.
England coach Thomas Tuchel's halftime message urged his players to play with greater freedom and confidence after conceding a late first-half equaliser. The response was immediate as England dominated large stretches of the second half.
Kane's brace took his World Cup tally to 10 goals, equaling the record set by former England striker Gary Lineker during the 1986 and 1990 tournaments.
His first goal came from the penalty spot after an initial attempt was disallowed because Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic had moved off his line before the kick. Kane converted the retaken penalty after Luka Modric fouled Noni Madueke inside the area.
The Bayern Munich forward reached the milestone later in the first half when he powered home a header from Declan Rice's corner kick. Kane now has 81 goals for England.
Croatia remained competitive throughout the contest. Baturina pulled the score level in the 36th minute with a low strike beyond Jordan Pickford, while Musa equalised again moments before the interval after converting a headed pass from Ivan Perisic.
Bellingham's goal after the break shifted momentum decisively in England's favour. The Real Madrid midfielder nearly scored again shortly afterward, but Livakovic produced several important saves to keep Croatia in the game.
Musa's strike also marked the first World Cup goal scored by an active Major League Soccer player representing FC Dallas.
Rashford completed the scoring late on after being set up by Bukayo Saka, calmly finishing inside the penalty area for his 19th international goal.
England manager Tuchel praised his team's second-half display, saying the players responded well after being encouraged to play with more courage and express themselves on the field.
England will next face Ghana in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on Tuesday, while Croatia take on Panama in Toronto in another Group L fixture.