Harry Kane Sets England Cap Record as Three Lions Secure Nations League Quarter-Final Spot

England secured second place in Group A3 behind Spain, clinching a spot in the Nations League quarter-finals this March.

Harry Kane marked his record-setting 126th appearance for England with a penalty goal, helping the Three Lions overcome Croatia 2-1 on Thursday and advance to the Nations League quarter-finals.

Slaven Bilic’s side, eager to avoid a repeat of last month’s 7-0 thrashing in Rijeka, appeared far more composed from the opening whistle at Wembley.

Goals from Morgan Rogers and captain Kane ensured England finished second in Group A3 behind Spain, confirming their progression to the last eight in March.

Thomas Tuchel’s squad will have an opportunity to avenge their 3-2 opening loss to the world champions when they visit Madrid for Sunday’s fixture.

Spain secured a 2-0 victory over Czechia in Prague on Thursday.

“After losing the first match here against them [Spain], we felt we had unfinished business,” Kane told ITV.

“We knew we could have performed better. We told ourselves to win every match leading up to the next one and see where it takes us. Sunday presents the perfect chance to prove ourselves.”

Both England and Croatia started slowly in the early stages of the London match.

Elliot Anderson sent an effort over the crossbar in the 16th minute, while Croatia’s Josip Misic struck a shot wide shortly before halftime.

Chelsea forward Morgan Rogers opened the scoring in the 24th minute somewhat fortuitously, following a well-worked move by England.

Kane played a lofted pass to Jude Bellingham on the right edge of the box, and the Real Madrid midfielder laid it off first-time across the area to Rogers.

Rogers Opens the Scoring

Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol had an opportunity to clear the ball but became entangled, allowing Chelsea’s Rogers to slot it past goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic.

England began to find their rhythm while pushing for a second goal, but could not add to their lead before the break.

The hosts were once again the more dangerous side at the start of the second half.

Croatia equalized against the run of play just before the hour mark after a costly mistake by England defender Jarell Quansah, who misdirected a close-range header toward Jordan Pickford following a corner.

The ball fell to Petar Sucic, who tapped it home.

Minutes later, England regained the lead, with Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah once again central to the action after his shirt was pulled inside the penalty area.

Referee Morten Krogh initially declined to award a penalty, but after being sent to the monitor by VAR, he pointed to the spot.

Kane did not miss, drilling home the spot-kick for his record-extending 92nd goal for England.

Nikola Vlasic gave England a scare by firing just wide of Jordan Pickford’s goal, as Croatia showed they remained in the contest.

James Garner believed he had scored a third for England following a cut-back from Bellingham, but Bellingham was offside when he received the ball.

Ballon d’Or winner Harry Kane earned his 126th cap at kickoff, moving ahead of former goalkeeper Peter Shilton to become England’s most-capped men’s player.

A large banner was displayed before kickoff featuring a picture of the 33-year-old and the words “England’s Finest”.

Peter Shilton took part in a pre-match presentation honoring the England captain, alongside Football Association patron Prince William.

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