Harry Kane unsure whether England records will boost Ballon d’Or chances

Harry Kane says he does not know whether his latest England records will improve his prospects of winning the Ballon d’Or after reaching 125 international appearances.

The England captain scored twice in a 3-0 victory over Czech Republic at Wembley, in the fourth round of Group C in the Nations League, matching the appearance record held by goalkeeper Peter Shilton between 1970 and 1990.

Kane has now scored 91 goals in 125 matches for England. He is also the oldest player in the country’s history to score twice in consecutive internationals, having reached that mark at the age of 33.

“​​I did not expect all these records to be achieved,” Kane said after the match. “They have come through hard work and continuous training.

“Reaching 125 caps for England was one of my dreams, but I do not know whether it will have any impact on my chances of winning the Ballon d’Or.”

Kane is included on the 30-player shortlist for the award, which recognises the world’s best player. The winner will be announced on 26 October this year.

He scored twice against Croatia in England’s previous match, a 7-0 win in the third round, and has now scored 12 international goals in the calendar year for the third time in his career.

Kane also scored 12 goals for England in 2019 and 16 in 2021. Only George Hilsdon, in 1908, and Dixie Dean, in 1927, had previously scored 12 goals for England in a single year.

“​​Consistency is extremely important and it is great to get a good result in this match,” added Kane. “I am in good shape, and I am trying to push myself forward and help my team-mates.”

England moved on to nine points and remain second in Group C, behind leaders Spain on 12 points. Czech Republic are still without a point.

The result has put England in a strong position to reach the quarter-finals and close to joining Spain and Portugal as the first teams to qualify.

England will be through with a win or draw in their next match against Czech Republic, or could still qualify by losing both of their remaining matches provided Croatia do not overturn the significant goal difference.

England face Croatia and Spain next month.

“What happened at the World Cup was a major disappointment,” Kane said. “But we have very good players in every position and we have to move forward. We started the season well against Spain, then Croatia and Czech Republic.”