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Harry Kane marked his record-breaking 126th England appearance with the winning goal as Thomas Tuchel’s side defeated Croatia 2-1 at Wembley Stadium. The victory secured the Three Lions a place in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals.
Kane’s Milestone and Opening Goal
Before kick-off, a special presentation took place to recognise Kane surpassing Peter Shilton to become England’s most-capped player, with former goalkeeper Peter Shilton, Croatia midfielder Luka Modric, and Prince William among those acknowledging the achievement. Croatia began the match strongly with early possession, but England broke the deadlock in the 24th minute. Kane delivered a long diagonal pass into the penalty area to find Jude Bellingham at the far post, and Bellingham directed the ball across the six-yard box where Josko Gvardiol failed to clear. Morgan Rogers reacted quickest to send a right-footed volley into the ground and past goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic.
Second Half Penalties and Decisive Goal
England pushed to extend their lead after the break, with Josip Stanisic blocking a close-range shot from Kane following Declan Rice’s run into the area. Croatia capitalised on a defensive error to equalize in the 59th minute when Jarell Quansah failed to spot Petar Sucic arriving behind him from a corner, allowing the Croatian midfielder to hook the ball into the roof of the net. The goal marked the first time England conceded since their opening matchday loss against Spain. Thomas Tuchel’s squad responded immediately when Quansah was pulled to the ground by Ivan Smolcic during a corner. Following a VAR review, referee Morten Krogh awarded a penalty and booked Smolcic. In the 64th minute, Kane converted from the spot by chipping the ball down the center as Livakovic dived to his left, securing his 92nd international goal.
Late Chances and Group Standings
Croatia searched for a late equalizer, and Nikola Vlasic curled an effort narrowly wide in the 82nd minute after a buildup from Modric. England thought they had scored a third when James Garner finished from close range after a pass from Bellingham, but the effort was disallowed for offside against Bellingham. Quansah later made a crucial sliding challenge to deny Budimir, and Luka Vuskovic headed over in stoppage time as Croatia’s late attempts failed. The result leaves England with four consecutive wins in Group A3 and sets up a match against world champions Spain in Madrid on Sunday to decide top spot in the group.
