Kane marks record 126th England cap with penalty win over Croatia
Harry Kane became England's most-capped player as he helped the team beat Croatia 2-1 in the Nations League, while also receiving tributes for his recent Ballon d'Or award.
England captain Harry Kane celebrated his 126th international appearance at Wembley on Thursday, surpassing Peter Shilton's record for most caps. The ceremony featured a tifo and presentations from former goalkeeper Shilton, Prince William and Croatia captain Luka Modrić, after which Kane displayed his Ballon d'Or trophy to the crowd.
Kane then converted the decisive penalty in a 2-1 Nations League victory over Croatia, securing England's place in the competition's quarter-finals. A win against Spain in Madrid on Sunday would allow England to top the group and earn a seeded draw.
"It was incredible. Everything was amazing," Kane said in a post-match press conference. "Thank you to everyone who organised the tributes, the tifo and the presentations. Thank you to Luka and Croatia for their gift."
Kane also noted the significance of the occasion for the national team and described the crowd's reaction to his individual accolades as very strong. He added that he was able to focus on the match once it began and felt he could enjoy the moment after the win.
The striker's 92nd goal for England came from a penalty, and he contributed to the opening goal by delivering a pass to Jude Bellingham, whose cross was headed in by Morgan Rogers. Kane said he enjoys operating in the left-side pocket of the attack, a position that has become a regular part of his game.
England manager Thomas Tuchel, speaking to ITV, called the result a "good win" and praised the team's effort against a strong opponent, noting that the side improved after the early stages of the match and ultimately secured the victory on a special occasion for Kane.