Kane marks record 126th cap with winner as England reach Nations League last eight

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Harry Kane scored the decisive penalty as England beat Croatia 2–1 at Wembley on Thursday to qualify for the Nations League quarter-finals. The captain’s 126th appearance took him past Peter Shilton as the most-capped player in England men’s history.

Kane’s landmark evening brought his 92nd international goal, maintaining a substantial lead at the top of England’s scoring list. Shilton, who won his final cap at the 1990 World Cup, had held the appearance record with 125.

Morgan Rogers put England ahead in the 24th minute. Kane helped create the opening with a pass to Jude Bellingham, whose first-time ball across goal allowed Rogers to finish from close range.

Croatia recovered after the interval and equalised through Petar Sučić in the 59th minute. A corner was not cleared, and Sučić reacted to Jarell Quansah’s attempted header back towards Jordan Pickford to score.

Quansah was then pulled down by Ivan Smolčić at the other end. Referee Morten Krogh awarded a penalty following a VAR review, and Kane restored England’s lead in the 64th minute with a strike down the centre of the goal.

The visitors continued to threaten in the closing stages. Nikola Vlašić shot wide, while Ante Budimir headed over in stoppage time. James Garner also had a potential first England goal ruled out for offside.

The margin was much narrower than England’s 7–0 victory in Croatia last month, but the result secured their place among the final eight. Thomas Tuchel’s side now travel to Madrid to face Spain on Sunday, 15 November, with first place in Group A3 still available.

Winning the group would bring seeded status for the two-legged quarter-finals in March. The winners of those ties will advance to the Nations League finals in June.

Sources

• England Football: Official match report and line-ups
• Sky Sports: Independent match report and quarter-final qualification explained
• Reuters via AOL: Kane scores winner on record England appearance