Kane's record 126th cap crowned with penalty winner as England set up Spain decider

Harry Kane marked his record-breaking 126th England cap with the winning penalty at Wembley, surpassing Peter Shilton’s long-standing appearance record of 125 and setting up a winner-takes-all showdown with Spain on Sunday.

Before kick-off, Kane was presented with a commemorative honour by Shilton himself, with Prince William among those watching on as a giant tifo banner bearing the inscription “Kane 126” unfurled inside the stadium. The Bayern Munich striker then went out and justified every word of the tribute.

Kane, 33, was at the heart of everything England did. A raking diagonal pass released Lewis Hall down the left, and it was his inch-perfect ball over the top that set the opening goal in motion after 24 minutes. Jude Bellingham, playing through discomfort after taking an early knock, collected and slipped inside for Morgan Rogers to scramble home.

England’s lead did not last. Croatia, determined not to repeat the seven-goal humiliation they suffered in Rijeka last month, sat deep and stayed disciplined. Their equaliser came from a set-piece: a deep corner was flicked on by Josip Gvardiol, and Jarell Quansah’s ill-judged header back towards Jordan Pickford was intercepted by Petar Sucic, who levelled to shift the mood inside Wembley.

England needed their captain, and Kane delivered. Stepping up from the spot, he converted with the composure that has defined his international career — a career now statistically unmatched in English football history.

Trent Alexander-Arnold offered a solid audition at right-back, Rogers caused problems throughout, and Bellingham remained England’s most advanced and threatening presence despite his discomfort. But on a night that could have been routine, it was Kane who provided the defining moment, as he so often has.

The result means England must beat Spain on Sunday to advance, with Kane almost certain to be at the centre of proceedings once again.