Harry Kane penalty sends England past Croatia and into Nations League next round

England secured a place in the next round of the UEFA Nations League with a 2-1 victory over Croatia at Wembley, as Harry Kane marked his 126th appearance for his country with the winning goal.

Morgan Rogers opened the scoring before Peter Sucic equalised for Croatia in the second half. Kane then converted a penalty to restore England’s lead and take his international tally to 92 goals.

The result moved England on to 12 points in second place in Group C, three points behind leaders Spain. Croatia remain third with three points.

England and Spain have both qualified for the next round before meeting in the final group match next Sunday.

Kane was given a major reception at Wembley before kick-off as supporters celebrated his Ballon d’Or success. The Bayern Munchen striker had played three matches for his club since receiving the award without scoring, but ended that run against Croatia.

England took the lead in the 24th minute after Jude Bellingham played the ball forward and Josko Gvardiol made an error. Rogers collected possession in front of goal and finished into the net.

Croatia levelled 15 minutes after half-time when Sucic capitalised on a mistake by England defender Jarell Quansah to make it 1-1.

England were awarded a penalty only three minutes later. Luka Vuskovic held Quansah by the shirt inside the penalty area, prompting the referee to review the incident on the video assistant referee system before pointing to the spot.

Kane stepped up and sent the penalty into the net to put England back in front and complete the scoring.

Bellingham also moved into the England record books during the match. His six assists for the national team in 2026 are the most recorded by an England player in a single calendar year since Raheem Sterling registered the same achievement in 2019.