Harry Kane matches England appearance record in landmark win over Czech Republic

Harry Kane equalled England’s all-time appearance record and became the oldest player to score twice in consecutive matches as his side beat Czech Republic 3-0 at Wembley in the Nations League.

The England captain scored in the 40th and 57th minutes to help secure a comfortable victory in the fourth round of Group C fixtures.

Kane has now made 125 appearances for the Three Lions, matching the record set by former goalkeeper Peter Shilton between 1970 and 1990. He has scored 91 goals for England during that time.

The 33-year-old also became the oldest player in England’s history to score two goals in successive matches. He had previously scored twice in the 7-0 victory over Croatia in the third round.

Kane has now scored 12 goals for England in the current calendar year, reaching that total for the third time in his career. He also scored 12 goals in 2019 and found the net 16 times in 2021.

Only George Hilsdon, who scored 12 goals in 1908, and Dixie Dean, who reached the same total in 1927, had previously scored 12 goals for England in a single year.

England’s win moved them on to nine points in second place in Group C, three points behind leaders Spain. Czech Republic remain without a point.

The result leaves England close to securing a place in the quarter-finals and puts them in contention to join Spain and Portugal as the first teams to qualify.

England will face Czech Republic in their next match. They will qualify with a victory or a draw, while they could also progress after losing both of their remaining matches if Croatia fail to overturn the significant goal difference.

The Three Lions are scheduled to play Croatia and Spain next month.