Kane sets England appearance record and scores as England reach Nations League quarterfinals

England captain Harry Kane played his 126th match for the national team on Thursday at Wembley in London, becoming the most-capped men's player in the country's history. In this UEFA Nations League game, a European national-team competition, England beat Croatia 2-1 in Group A3 and secured a place in the quarterfinals, to be played in March.

England sit second in the group behind Spain. Croatia coach Slaven Bilic wanted to avoid a repeat of last month's 7-0 defeat in Rijeka, and the visitors looked more solid early on.

How the match unfolded

Morgan Rogers of Chelsea opened the scoring in the 24th minute. Kane sent a ball to Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid, who cushioned it across the area. Manchester City's Josko Gvardiol got tangled when trying to clear, and Rogers poked the ball past goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic.

Croatia levelled shortly before the hour. England defender Jarell Quansah misdirected a header from a corner towards Jordan Pickford, and Petar Sucic stabbed the ball home.

Minutes later Quansah had his shirt tugged in the penalty area. Referee Morten Krogh at first gave nothing, but after the VAR, the video assistant referee, sent him to the monitor he pointed to the spot. Kane converted for his 92nd England goal, extending his record. A later goal by James Garner was ruled out because Bellingham was offside.

Record and what comes next

With his 126th cap Kane moved clear of former goalkeeper Peter Shilton, with whom he had shared the record. Before kickoff he was honoured in a ceremony attended by Shilton and Prince William, patron of the Football Association.

England next travel to Madrid on Sunday to face Spain, the world champions. Thomas Tuchel's side lost 3-2 at home to Spain in their group opener. Spain beat Czechia 2-0 in Prague on Thursday. Kane said after the match that Sunday is a perfect opportunity for England to prove themselves.