England 2-1 Croatia: Kane penalty wins it on record-breaking night

Harry Kane scored the winning penalty on the night he became England’s most-capped men’s player, as a 2-1 win over Croatia at Wembley sent England into the Nations League quarter-finals.

Morgan Rogers gave Thomas Tuchel’s side a first-half lead. Petar Sucic equalised after a mistake by Jarell Quansah, before Quansah won the penalty that Kane converted in the 64th minute.

Kane’s 126th cap took him past Peter Shilton’s record of 125. His goal was his 92nd for his country.

England vs Croatia result and goals

England 2-1 Croatia

• England: Morgan Rogers (24), Harry Kane (64, penalty)
• Croatia: Petar Sucic (59)

Rogers puts England ahead

England were slow to start, and Croatia had more of the ball in the early stages. The home side grew into the game, and Kane created the opener.

His ball over the top found Jude Bellingham in the box. Bellingham’s cross came back across the six-yard box, and Rogers forced it over the line in the 24th minute.

Croatia’s best chance of the half came from captain Mateo Kovacic, whose 25-yard shot was comfortably saved by Jordan Pickford.

Quansah’s mistake, then Quansah’s penalty

England gave up the lead just before the hour. From a Croatia corner, Quansah’s weak header back towards Pickford fell to Sucic, who clipped the ball into the roof of the net.

Quansah made up for it within minutes, winning a penalty after Ivan Smolcic’s challenge. Smolcic was booked, and Kane sent Dominik Livakovic the wrong way to restore the lead.

Kane almost added a third six minutes later but headed over from a cross from the left.

Tuchel made three changes in the 77th minute, bringing on Ben White, James Garner and Rio Ngumoha for Trent Alexander-Arnold, Declan Rice and Anthony Gordon. Jobe Bellingham did not make his debut.

Croatia pushed for an equaliser late on, and Rogers fired over in stoppage time.

Kane’s record night

Before kick-off, Prince William presented Kane with a shirt marked “Kane 126”. Kane also showed his Ballon d’Or to the Wembley crowd before leading England out.

It was not a vintage England display, but the night belonged to Kane. Read our England team news from before the game.

What it means for England

The win guarantees England a top-two finish in Group A3 and a place in the Nations League quarter-finals in March.

Spain beat Czechia 2-0 in Prague to stay top of the group, and England finish away to Spain on Sunday. UEFA has the full Group A3 table.

England vs Croatia FAQ

What was the England vs Croatia score?
England 2-1 Croatia, at Wembley on Thursday 12 November.

Who scored for England against Croatia?
Morgan Rogers and Harry Kane, from the penalty spot.

Have England qualified for the Nations League quarter-finals?
Yes. The win guarantees a top-two finish in Group A3.

How many caps does Harry Kane have?
126, an England men’s record. He has 92 international goals.

Who do England play next?
Spain, away, on Sunday.