Harry Kane is set to make his 126th appearance for his country and become the most-capped men’s player in Three Lions history when England face Croatia in the Nations League at Wembley on Thursday. The 33-year-old Bayern Munich striker will surpass former goalkeeper Peter Shilton, who earned 125 caps between 1970 and 1990.
Reflecting on his milestone, Kane, who has scored 91 goals for his country, stated that the achievement is about the team rather than himself. England manager Thomas Tuchel praised the forward when announcing his squad, calling him a deservedly decorated Ballon d’Or winner and an extraordinary player for a landmark occasion.
From childhood fan to captain
Growing up in Chingford, a young Kane watched major tournaments in pub beer gardens with his family and experienced the heartbreak of penalty shootouts. Inspired by David Beckham—who sent a Real Madrid shirt to his secondary school—Kane progressed through Sunday league side Ridgeway Rovers before embarking on his professional journey.
Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart told BBC Sport that he initially wondered who the young Tottenham striker was upon his first call-up 11 years ago, before watching him continually improve in training. Kane has played under five different England managers, with Gareth Southgate naming him captain in 2017.
A lasting legacy and physical peak
Having captained the Three Lions 97 times when starting, Kane is showing no signs of slowing down despite approaching his mid-thirties. West Germany’s 1990 World Cup-winning captain Lothar Matthaus told BBC Sport that Kane has aged like red wine, while Kane himself noted that his physical numbers and top speed remain as high as ever.
Thursday’s match at Wembley will provide players and fans the opportunity to celebrate Kane as he reaches 126 caps for his country.
