Harry Kane Penalty Beats Croatia as England Reach Knockouts
Harry Kane scored a penalty to give England a 2-1 win over Croatia in the UEFA Nations League. The result sealed a knockout place with a game to spare and sets up a Sunday group decider away to Spain.
Harry Kane converted a penalty on Thursday to give England a 2-1 win over Croatia in the UEFA Nations League, lifting England football into the tournament's knockout stage with a game to spare.
It was a fitting finish to a week built around the captain. Kane was set to pass the England caps record against Croatia, and his 126th appearance moved him clear of Peter Shilton.
How the match was won
Jude Bellingham set up the opening goal. His assist found Morgan Rogers, who put England in front in the first half.
Croatia answered after the break. Sucic equalised to level the game.
Kane then settled it from the penalty spot. That goal secured the victory and England's place in the last stage of the competition.
Kane on the record
Kane said he was delighted to become England's record cap holder and wants to keep playing for the national team for as long as possible. Journalists applauded him as he entered the England press conference before the match.
Bellingham was also in the spotlight beforehand. He and his brother Jobe trained together in the build-up to the Croatia game.
Spain next in Group 3
England finish the group stage on Sunday, away to Spain at Atlético Madrid's Metropolitano Stadium. The match is scheduled for 4:45 p.m. Brasília time.
Spain lead Group 3 on 15 points with a goal difference of 8. England have 12 points and a goal difference of 12.
Spain are already through to the quarter-finals. They beat Czechia 2-0 on Thursday, with Baena scoring a first-half penalty and Marc Pubill adding a late second. Czechia's Krejci was sent off in the second half, and they remain bottom without a point.
Spain have a perfect record in the group and have not lost a match since March 2024. Sunday's final round will decide who finishes top.
