Harry Kane scored the winner on his record-breaking 126th England men’s appearance as Thomas Tuchel’s side beat Croatia 2-1 at Wembley on Thursday to secure a UEFA Nations League quarter-final place.
Morgan Rogers put England ahead in the first half before Petar Sučić equalised shortly before the hour. Kane restored the lead from the penalty spot just five minutes later, taking his international tally to 92 goals.
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Rogers opens the scoring
England took the lead in the 24th minute when Kane dropped deep and lifted a pass towards Jude Bellingham. The midfielder sent the ball across goal and Rogers finished from close range.
Croatia, beaten 7-0 by England in the sides’ previous meeting in October, offered considerably more resistance this time. England controlled periods of possession but struggled to turn that advantage into clear chances.
Croatia equalise before Kane’s decisive penalty
The visitors drew level in the 59th minute. Jarell Quansah attempted to head a Croatia corner back towards Jordan Pickford, but his header fell short and Sučić reacted to score from close range.
Quansah was involved again moments later when Ivan Smolčić pulled him down at an England corner. Referee Morten Krogh awarded the penalty following a VAR review and Kane converted in the 64th minute.
Croatia pushed for another equaliser. Nikola Vlašić fired narrowly wide, while substitute Ante Budimir threatened in stoppage time. James Garner also had a potential England goal ruled out for offside as the hosts held on.
Kane breaks England appearances record
Kane’s 126th senior men’s international appearance moved him beyond former goalkeeper Peter Shilton’s record of 125. The captain marked the milestone with the winning goal, extending his own England scoring record to 92.
The result guarantees England a place in March’s Nations League quarter-finals, but their performance was less commanding than the scoreline of the previous meeting with Croatia suggested it might be.
What happens next?
England travel to Madrid to face Spain on Sunday 15 November. With both teams through to the quarter-finals, the final Group A3 fixture will decide who finishes top of the group and earns a seeded place in the knockout draw.
Match details
- Competition: UEFA Nations League, Group A3
- Venue: Wembley Stadium, London
- Date: Thursday 12 November 2026
- Goals: England: Morgan Rogers 24′, Harry Kane 64′ (pen); Croatia: Petar Sučić 59′
