Harry Kane has broken Peter Shilton’s appearance record for the England men’s team after playing against Croatia in the Nations League at Wembley this evening.
Thomas Tuchel had already confirmed at his pre-match press conference on Wednesday that his captain Kane would start the match and that was rubber-stamped when the teams were released an hour and 15 minutes before kick-off.
It is the 33-year-old’s first game for his country since winning the Ballon d’Or last month and will be his record 126th England cap, meaning he surpasses Shilton atop the list.
The legendary goalkeeper presented Kane – who has also scored a record 91 goals for the Three Lions – with a special golden crest ahead of the match at Wembley to celebrate the milestone.
During the short ceremony ahead of kick-off, Kane was given a replica of the ball that Englishmen brought to Croatia in 1880 to start their love affair with football. That was presented by Croatia captain Luka Modric.
Prince William also presented Kane with a framed England shirt with ‘Kane 126’ on the back before the English trio posed for photos.
Kane was then re-presented with his Ballon d’Or trophy after last month’s triumph as the crowd saluted their hero and unfurled a huge tifo of the striker.
The Independent’s chief sports writer Lawrence Ostlere was at Wembley and said: “A nice moment here at Wembley to mark Harry Kane’s extraordinary career, with his children on the pitch. The highlight was undoubtedly Prince William ushering Peter Shilton to come and join in the group photo with Kane, like a very weird family holiday.”
It was an emotional and celebratory atmosphere for the man who many consider to be England’s greatest player of all-time.
England boss Tuchel wrote in his programme notes: “It’s the perfect place to celebrate Harry Kane and his recent achievements. There’s something quite poetic about the fact that almost a week or so after he was named England’s first Ballon d’Or winner for over 25 years, he’s now on the cusp of becoming the country’s all-time record caps holder. It’s so special not just for Harry but for all of us.
“He has had a very special few weeks and the scary thing is, he is getting better and better, and even more influential. Winning the Ballon d’Or and becoming the all-time appearance record holder are both huge achievements, and I think it’s really important that he gets to celebrate these moments in front of our fans – because everyone should be proud.
“Harry is humble, and he is very aware that everything is a team effort. He is a true leader and a true team player, which makes our number nine very special. So, he deserves all the credit, and hopefully he keeps on doing what he does best… scoring goals for us.”
England thrashed Croatia 7-0 in the reverse fixture in the previous international break and need just a point to book their spot in the Nations League quarter-finals in March.
They play their final group game against world champions Spain in Madrid on Sunday evening and should they win both matches, they may well top the group ahead of the Spaniards.
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