Harry Kane marks England appearance record with Nations League winner against Croatia

Harry Kane celebrated becoming England’s most-capped player by scoring the decisive penalty in a 2-1 win over Croatia at Wembley on Thursday.

The Bayern Munich striker made his 126th appearance for England and converted from the spot in the second half to keep Thomas Tuchel’s side on course to finish top of UEFA Nations League Group A3.

England must now beat Spain on Sunday in a winner-takes-all match to claim first place.

The hosts struggled to impose themselves early on and created few clear opportunities. Elliot Anderson sent an effort over the crossbar after 15 minutes, before England took the lead in fortunate circumstances.

Kane began the move with a fine pass to Jude Bellingham, whose low ball across the six-yard area caused uncertainty in the Croatia defence. Morgan Rogers collected possession and his mishit shot only just crossed the line.

England failed to build on that advantage, producing little attacking pressure before the interval. Rogers’ goal was their only attempt on target in the first half, leaving Tuchel with plenty to consider at half-time.

They began the second period with more urgency, and Kane came close to marking his record appearance with a goal when Declan Rice pulled the ball back towards him. Josip Stanisic, however, made a crucial block from close range.

Croatia soon punished England for that missed chance. A corner was not cleared, and when Jarell Quansah’s attempted header back towards Jordan Pickford fell short, Luka Sucic seized the opportunity to equalise.

Quansah was involved again moments later, this time winning a penalty after he was brought down inside the area by Ivan Smolcic. Kane took responsibility and sent his spot-kick straight down the middle to restore England’s lead and complete a memorable night.

England remained vulnerable after going back in front. Nikola Vlasic created room on the edge of the box, but his left-footed shot went narrowly wide as Croatia looked for another equaliser.

James Garner appeared to have sealed the victory late on when he swept the ball into the net. The goal was disallowed, though, because Bellingham had been offside during the build-up.

Croatia continued to apply pressure in the closing stages, but England held on for a valuable win.

Tuchel admitted his side had made the game more difficult than necessary, while praising the result.

“It was a good win. We wanted the win desperately and deserved it,” the England manager told ITV.

He said England had become “a little sloppy” after taking the lead and should have found a second goal before Croatia drew level.

Even so, Tuchel described the result as a perfect evening for Kane and expressed confidence ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Spain.

“Everything will be different on Sunday, the scenario and the set-up. But I’m very positive that we will get what we want,” he said.