Harry Kane breaks England men's appearance record with 126th cap

Harry Kane became England men's most-capped player on Thursday, making his 126th senior appearance against Croatia in the Nations League at Wembley. The captain moved clear of former goalkeeper Peter Shilton, whose 125 appearances between 1970 and 1990 had stood as the benchmark. BBC Sport and Sky Sports reported the record-breaking appearance.

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Shilton joined a presentation of a framed England shirt to Kane before kick-off, according to the BBC. The Football Association had announced the planned tribute ahead of the fixture, saying it would also recognise the striker's Ballon d'Or success. The ceremony brought together the outgoing record holder and the player taking his place at the top of the men's list.

Kane had drawn level with Shilton on October 6, scoring twice in England's 3-0 victory over the Czech Republic at Wembley, Sky Sports reported. He entered Thursday's fixture with 91 international goals, already holding his country's men's scoring record. His latest appearance therefore added another national milestone to a career that began at senior international level in March 2015.

That debut came against Lithuania in a 4-0 European Championship qualifying win, when Kane was a 21-year-old Tottenham forward. He scored just 79 seconds after coming on, the BBC recalled. Now 33 and playing for Bayern Munich, he has gone from that immediate introduction to international football to captaining England and surpassing a record built over two decades.

The milestone follows Kane's Ballon d'Or victory less than three weeks earlier. Sky Sports reported that he was the first English winner of that award in 25 years. England manager Thomas Tuchel had highlighted the appearance record when announcing his squad, describing the Croatia fixture as an opportunity to recognise Kane's achievements, according to the BBC.

In comments published by England Football before the match, Kane linked his longevity to the preparation that keeps him fit and available. He regarded the caps landmark as one of the most significant achievements of his career, while stressing the importance of sustaining performances across successive years. Thursday's appearance turned that anticipated milestone into a completed record.