Harry Kane turned a night of history into a night of victory at Wembley on Thursday, scoring the winning penalty on his record 126th England appearance as England beat Croatia 2-1 to reach the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals. The Bayern Munich striker passed goalkeeper Peter Shilton's mark of 125 caps, then delivered the decisive moment his landmark outing deserved, clipping a 64th-minute spot-kick down the middle after Croatia had cancelled out Morgan Rogers' first-half opener.

England's win secured a place in next March's quarter-finals with a game to spare and set up a decisive trip to world champions Spain on Sunday to decide who tops Group A3. It was a fitting reward for a captain celebrated before kick-off, when he received his Ballon d'Or trophy from Prince William.

Key Points

• England beat Croatia 2-1 at Wembley on Thursday to qualify for the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals.
• Harry Kane made a record 126th England appearance, passing Peter Shilton's 125, and scored the 64th-minute winning penalty, his 92nd international goal.
• Morgan Rogers put England ahead in the 24th minute from a Jude Bellingham assist, and Petar Sucic equalised for Croatia in the 59th minute.
• England moved to 12 points from five matches in Group A3 and visit Spain on Sunday needing a win to finish top of the group.
• Italy beat France 3-1 in Milan in the same group, Zinedine Zidane's first defeat as France coach.

What Happened

England laid on a large celebration for their Ballon d'Or-winning captain before kick-off, and Kane repaid them in the most fitting way. The 33-year-old became England's most-capped player outright, and he played a central role in both of his side's goals.

The opener arrived in the 24th minute and carried Kane's fingerprints all over it. He lofted a wonderful pass for Jude Bellingham to volley into the six-yard box, where Rogers bundled home after Josko Gvardiol failed to clear.

Croatia, who had lost 7-0 to England in the reverse fixture last month, produced a much-improved showing, with Mateo Kovacic and Martin Baturina both testing Jordan Pickford.

Croatia made the hosts pay with a 59th-minute equaliser. A corner bounced off Gvardiol before Jarell Quansah clumsily headed straight into the path of Sucic, who thrashed home from point-blank range, high past Pickford. But Quansah made amends four minutes later, winning a penalty when Ivan Smolcic pulled his shirt at a corner. The award came after a VAR review, and Kane stepped up to clip his spot-kick down the middle from 12 yards. Croatia pushed late, but England held on.

Background: Kane's Road to 126 Caps

Kane's record has been a long time coming. The striker made his England debut in March 2015, scoring 80 seconds after coming on against Lithuania, and he has barely left the team since. He passed Wayne Rooney as England's all-time leading scorer in March 2023 and went into Thursday's match level with Shilton on 125 caps.

Shilton's record had stood since 1990, when the goalkeeper won the last of his 125 caps at the World Cup in Italy. That it took 36 years for anyone to pass it says everything about Kane's durability and his standing in the side.

The timing could hardly have been better. Kane claimed the Ballon d'Or last month, becoming the first English winner in 25 years since Michael Owen in 2001 He received that trophy from Prince William before kick-off, greeted Shilton on the pitch, and was even presented with a celebratory gift by Croatia's Luka Modric, his former Tottenham team-mate.

England Beat Croatia: The Decisive Moments

The match turned on three moments in five second-half minutes. First, Sucic's equaliser, a scrappy goal from a corner that punished England for failing to clear their lines. Quansah headed the ball straight to the Croatia midfielder, who finished emphatically.

Second, Quansah's redemption. Four minutes later, the same player drew a foul from Smolcic at a corner, and the VAR review confirmed the shirt pull. It was the kind of decision that could easily have gone unpunished in the past, but the replay left the officials with little choice.

Third, Kane's penalty. There was no doubt here. He clipped the ball down the middle as Livakovic dived, and Wembley erupted. A record-extending 92nd goal, on a record-breaking night, to win the game.

Reactions and Tributes at Wembley

The night belonged to Kane from the moment he walked out. Wembley rose to salute its captain, and the pre-match ceremony set the tone: the Ballon d'Or trophy presented by Prince William, a warm greeting from Shilton and a gift from Modric, a reminder of the respect Kane commands even among opponents.

Tuchel's influence, meanwhile, continues to go quietly under the radar. England have now won 21 of 27 games under his charge, and the German has built a side that finds ways to win even when it is not at its best.

Why It Matters

Kane's record is more than a number. Shilton's 125 caps stood for 36 years, and passing it cements the Bayern striker as the most durable and most prolific England player of the modern era. He is now England's most-capped player and its all-time leading scorer at the same time.

The win matters for England's immediate ambitions too. Qualification for the Nations League quarter-finals, secured with a game to spare, keeps alive a realistic route to a first trophy under Tuchel, with the finals offering a major tournament test before Euro 2028 on home soil.

What Happens Next

England travel to Madrid on Sunday, where they must beat world champions Spain to top Group A3. Tuchel will hope his side are sharper in front of goal than they were at Wembley, where Gordon, Kane and Bellingham all spurned good chances.

The quarter-finals take place next March, and England will learn their opponents in the draw that follows the group stage. Beyond that, the focus turns to Euro 2028, which England will host.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many caps does Harry Kane have for England?
Harry Kane now has 126 England caps, passing Peter Shilton's 125, reached against Croatia at Wembley on November 12, 2026.

How many goals has Harry Kane scored for England?
Kane has scored 92 goals for England, including the winning penalty against Croatia. He passed Wayne Rooney as England's all-time leading scorer in March 2023.

What was the score between England and Croatia?
England beat Croatia 2-1 at Wembley. Morgan Rogers scored in the 24th minute, Petar Sucic equalised in the 59th minute, and Kane won it from the penalty spot in the 64th minute.

Have England qualified for the Nations League quarter-finals?
Yes. The win took England to 12 points from five matches in Group A3 and secured a quarter-final place next March.

Who do England play next?
England visit Spain on Sunday, needing a win against the world champions to top Group A3. The quarter-finals are played next March.

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