Kane breaks England caps record against Croatia as Ballon d'Or triumph celebrated at Wembley

Harry Kane surpassed Peter Shilton’s England appearance record on Thursday, lining up for his 126th international cap as Thomas Tuchel’s side hosted Croatia in a UEFA Nations League group fixture at Wembley. The 33-year-old, who also holds the Three Lions’ all-time scoring record with 91 goals, was confirmed in the starting XI when the team sheets were released roughly 75 minutes before kick-off.

Shilton, the legendary goalkeeper whose record had stood for decades, was present at Wembley to personally present Kane with his commemorative cap. The occasion was further elevated by a pre-match ceremony celebrating Kane’s Ballon d’Or victory last month — his first individual world player of the year award — with the trophy paraded around the pitch in front of the home crowd.

Tuchel, speaking at his pre-match press conference on Wednesday, acknowledged the weight of the moment while keeping one eye on the competitive stakes. “It’s a big occasion to present the Ballon d’Or to our fans and bring it to the country, and have it on the same day when he gets his all-time record for 126 matches,” the Germany head coach said. “It’s a beautiful, beautiful occasion.”

The German was careful to manage expectations around the emotion of the evening, adding: “There will be a lot of praise, a lot of emotions before kick-off and we need him in the best shape to win the match for us.”

When asked whether Kane was England’s greatest ever player, Tuchel declined to commit fully. “I don’t know, but he is up there of course,” he said with a smile. “It’s now proven and it’s always nice if things are proven. He has his collection of prizes, his records, he will build on these records, score more goals and get more games.”

England arrive at the fixture in strong form, having thrashed Croatia 7-0 in the reverse fixture during the previous international break. A single point against the same opponents would be enough to secure their place in the Nations League quarter-finals in March.

The group concludes on Sunday when England travel to Madrid to face world champions Spain. Victory in both remaining games could see Tuchel’s side finish top of the group ahead of the Spaniards.