Harry Kane marked his record 126th England men’s cap by scoring the decisive goal in a 2-1 Nations League victory over Croatia at Wembley. The striker was selected to start the match, moving him clear of Peter Shilton, and his 64th-minute penalty sealed the win after he had played a role in Morgan Rogers’s opening goal.
The milestone came after Kane drew level with Shilton in last month’s win over Czechia. He made his England debut in March 2015 in a win over Lithuania and became the country’s record goalscorer in March 2023. He went into the Croatia game on 91 England goals, having scored six times in four games in late September and early October, and the penalty against Croatia was his 92nd.
Kane was given a hero’s welcome before kick-off. He showed the Ballon d’Or trophy to the crowd and was joined on the pitch by his four children. A large tifo of Kane greeted the teams as they emerged, and a host of legends and dignitaries were present. Terry Butcher congratulated him, Shilton also offered his congratulations, and Luka Modric, who played with Kane at Tottenham, handed him a replica of the first football brought to Croatia. The Prince of Wales presented Kane with a framed commemorative shirt.
Kane thanked those who organised the match and Croatia and Modric for the presentation. He said the occasion was an important milestone in England’s history, but that once the whistle went the most important thing was the match and trying to win. He added that winning made such milestones better and that he had been lucky to win all of them, especially at Wembley.
Thomas Tuchel praised Kane’s hard work, personality, talent, dedication and focus, describing it as the full package and saying Kane’s task was not easy given the praise and attention he receives. Morgan Rogers, who scored England’s opening goal, said Kane scores the goal as he always does and treated the night like any other game. Rogers described Kane’s work ethic and focus as relentless and said that was why he is a Ballon d’Or winner. Kane had won that award last month, beating Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal after scoring 61 goals in 51 appearances for Bayern Munich last season. Tuchel also noted Kane’s part in England’s bronze medal at last summer’s World Cup.