Harry Kane marked the night he became England’s most-capped men’s player by scoring the winning goal in a 2-1 Nations League victory over Croatia at Wembley on Thursday, sealing the Three Lions’ place in the quarter-finals. The captain’s 126th appearance took him past Peter Shilton’s long-standing record, and his 92nd international goal — a penalty in the 64th minute — settled a game England had briefly let slip.
Morgan Rogers had put England ahead in the 24th minute, finishing from close range after a move involving Kane and Jude Bellingham, and the hosts led 1-0 at half-time in front of 80,484 fans. Croatia levelled just before the hour through Petar Sucic, stunning Wembley, but England’s response was swift: five minutes later, Ivan Smolcic pulled Jarell Quansah’s shirt inside the box, and Kane stepped up to restore the lead from the spot.
A record night for the captain
The milestone caps a remarkable few weeks for Kane, who also claimed the Ballon d’Or, and head coach Thomas Tuchel praised his side’s resilience after the game, calling it a good win despite some sloppy moments. According to BBC Sport, Kane’s penalty was his 27th from the spot for England, and the victory keeps the Three Lions second in Nations League Group A3 on 12 points, behind world champions Spain on 15 after Spain beat the Czech Republic 2-0 in Prague.
Spain decides the group
The result sets up a decisive final group game in Madrid, where England must beat Spain to finish top of Group A3. Spain lead the group on 15 points to England’s 12, and both sides are already through to the quarter-finals — so the trip is a free shot at the top seeding and a more favourable draw. For Tuchel, whose side was criticised for a sloppy spell that let Croatia back in, it is also a chance to prove England can win away against the world champions.
There was also a late talking point for Everton’s James Garner, who had a goal ruled out after coming on in the 77th minute, while Jordan Pickford won his 94th England cap in goal. England now travel to Spain for the final group game, with top spot and a more favourable quarter-final draw at stake — and with both sides already through to the last eight, the trip to Madrid is a free shot at finishing first. George dropped 36 as the Celtics toppled the 76ers for the East lead in other sports action, and The Spurs and Lakers put their streaks on the line on Wednesday night.
