Harry Kane Scores Penalty to Give England Victory Over Croatia

Harry Kane scored from the penalty spot to give England a 2-1 victory against Croatia at Wembley Stadium on Thursday, sealing progress to the Nations League quarter-finals.

The match marked Kane’s 126th appearance, surpassing Peter Shilton as the nation’s most-capped men’s player, alongside his 92nd international goal.

England opened the scoring in the 24th minute when Morgan Rogers poked home from close range after a cross from Jude Bellingham.

Croatia equalised just before the hour mark when Petar Sucic intercepted a backpass from Jarell Quansah and struck the ball past goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

Quansah quickly redeemed himself by winning a penalty minutes later, allowing Kane to calmly restore the lead with a shot down the middle.

The victory ensures England advances to the quarter-finals in March and sets up a clash against Spain in Madrid to decide the group winner.

Reflecting on the upcoming match, Harry Kane said, "In the last game against them we knew we left a bit out there."

Kane added, "We knew we could have done a little bit better and we said to ourselves, 'OK, let's win every game from now til the next one and then see what happens.'"

"It's a perfect opportunity now Sunday to try to prove ourselves," said Kane.

Prior to kick-off, the newly-crowned Ballon d'Or winner was presented with a commemorative shirt and gifts by Prince William, Luka Modric and Shilton.

Croatia pushed for a second equaliser late in the match, with Nikola Vlasic shooting just wide and Quansah making a crucial late challenge on Ante Budimir.

Manager Thomas Tuchel selected Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back, and the defender pushed into advanced positions to create attacking opportunities.

England will now travel to Spain to face the world champions, who extended their unbeaten run to 43 matches after defeating the Czech Republic.