England advance to Nations League quarter-finals as Harry Kane scores decisive penalty
Harry Kane became England's most-capped player and netted a second-half penalty to secure a 2-1 win over Croatia, sending the Three Lions to the Nations League quarter-finals.
England secured a 2-1 victory over Croatia at Wembley to reach the Nations League quarter-finals, with captain Harry Kane scoring the winning penalty on his 126th appearance, making him the most-capped player in the country's history. The opening goal came after Kane dropped deep to feed Jude Bellingham, whose cross was turned in by Morgan Rogers. Croatia equalised when a header from Jarell Quansah was mishandled by Jordan Pickford, allowing Petar Sucic to score. A subsequent corner saw Ivan Smolcic pull down Quansah, and referee Morten Krogh awarded England a penalty, which Kane converted for his 92nd goal for England.
England head coach Thomas Tuchel said the performance was "okay overall" but noted periods of sloppiness and praised the team's reaction in the second half.
Kane described the night as "incredible" and thanked the supporters and Croatia for the occasion, adding that he could now relax after the historic moment.
The win sets up a decisive group finale against Spain in Madrid, with England needing a stronger display to challenge the world champions.