Harry Kane set a new England caps record and then scored the winner from the penalty spot as England beat Croatia 2-1 at Wembley on Thursday (Nov 12), Sky Sports reported. The result sealed England’s place in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals.
The game was Kane’s 126th appearance for his country, taking him past the 125 caps of former goalkeeper Peter Shilton. His second-half penalty was his 92nd goal for England, extending his own scoring record.
Before kick-off, Shilton and the Prince of Wales took part in a presentation for the captain, and fans displayed a large tifo in his honour, according to Sky Sports and AFP.
Rogers Opens, Quansah Error Lets Croatia Level
England went ahead in the 24th minute. Kane dropped deep and picked out Jude Bellingham, whose first-time ball across the box was not cleared by Josko Gvardiol, and Morgan Rogers bundled it in.
Croatia drew level in the 59th minute against the run of play. From a Croatia corner, defender Jarell Quansah tried to head the ball back to goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, but Petar Sucic got there first and poked it home.
Kane Penalty Seals England Caps Record Night
Quansah was involved again moments later. He was pulled down by Ivan Smolcic from an England corner, and referee Morten Krogh pointed to the spot after a VAR review. Kane converted in the 64th minute.
Croatia pushed late on. Nikola Vlasic shot wide when well placed, James Garner had a goal ruled out for offside, and Ante Budimir headed over from a corner in stoppage time.
Kane told Sky Sports the night was “incredible” and added that “these occasions feel much better when you win.”
Sky Sports News correspondent Rob Dorsett said that as a game it was “instantly forgettable”, though the occasion would be remembered. England had beaten Croatia 7-0 in Rijeka last month.
Spain Showdown in Madrid on Sunday
The win keeps Thomas Tuchel’s side second in Group A3 behind Spain, who beat Czechia 2-0 in Prague on Thursday, AFP reported. The quarter-finals take place in March.
England travel to Madrid to face the world champions on Sunday (Nov 15) with a chance to top the group, after losing 3-2 to Spain in their opening match. Kane told ITV, as quoted by AFP: “It’s the perfect opportunity now on Sunday to try and prove ourselves.”
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