By Our Reporter
Harry Kane marked his record-breaking 126th appearance for England with a decisive penalty as the Three Lions defeated Croatia 2-1 at Wembley on Thursday to secure qualification for the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals.
Kane, who became England’s most capped men’s international player by moving clear of former goalkeeper Peter Shilton, also extended his national team goalscoring record to 92.
Morgan Rogers opened the scoring for England in the 24th minute, while Kane converted a second-half penalty to seal victory after Croatia had briefly drawn level.
England dominated much of the opening exchanges but found it difficult to break down a well-organised Croatian defence.
Rogers eventually put the hosts ahead following an impressive attacking move involving Kane and Jude Bellingham.
Kane delivered a fine pass to Bellingham on the right side of the penalty area, and the Real Madrid midfielder immediately played the ball across goal. Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol failed to clear properly, allowing Rogers to poke it past goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic.
Thomas Tuchel’s side maintained their attacking pressure but could not increase their advantage before the interval.
Croatia, however, returned with greater determination after the break and drew level just before the hour mark.
England defender Jarell Quansah misdirected a close-range header towards goalkeeper Jordan Pickford following a Croatian corner. The loose ball fell to Petar Sucic, who reacted quickly to stab it into the net.
England restored their lead moments later after Quansah was fouled in the penalty area.
Referee Morten Krogh initially waved away appeals for a spot-kick but changed his decision after consulting the pitchside monitor following a VAR review.
Kane stepped forward and confidently drilled the penalty beyond Livakovic to score his 92nd international goal.
Croatia pushed for another equaliser, with Nikola Vlasic narrowly missing the target, while England had a third goal ruled out for offside after James Garner found the net from a Bellingham cut-back.
The victory came on a special night for Kane, who earned his 126th England cap to move ahead of Shilton’s previous record.
A giant banner bearing Kane’s image and the words “England’s Finest” was unveiled before kick-off in recognition of his achievement.
Shilton and Football Association patron Prince William were among those who joined the pre-match presentation honouring the England captain.
England remain second in Nations League Group A3 behind Spain, who maintained their perfect record with a 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic.
However, Thursday’s result confirmed England’s place in the quarter-finals, which will be played in March.
England will travel to Madrid on Sunday to face Spain in their final group fixture.