England 2-1 Croatia: Kane marks record-breaking appearance with winner as Three Lions reach Nations League quarter-finals
· Yahoo Sports
Harry Kane marked his record-breaking 126th England appearance with the winning goal as the Three Lions defeated Croatia 2-1 at Wembley to secure their place in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals.
Morgan Rogers opened the scoring in the first half before Petar Sučić equalised for Croatia after the break. Kane restored England’s lead from the penalty spot five minutes later, sealing a fourth consecutive victory for Thomas Tuchel’s side ahead of their decisive Group A3 meeting with Spain on Sunday.
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As it happened
Croatia started well, enjoying spells of possession as England struggled to find their rhythm. However, the hosts gradually took control, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Elliot Anderson both testing the waters from distance.
England broke the deadlock in the 24th minute. Captain Harry Kane delivered a diagonal pass towards Jude Bellingham, who redirected the ball across the six-yard box. Croatia defender Joško Gvardiol failed to clear, allowing England winger Morgan Rogers to volley beyond Dominik Livaković from close range.
The Three Lions continued to threaten, particularly through Bellingham and Anthony Gordon, but Croatia remained competitive. Mateo Kovačić and Martin Baturina both tested goalkeeper Jordan Pickford from distance as England took a slender advantage into half-time.
England nearly doubled their lead shortly after the restart when Declan Rice broke into the penalty area and squared for Kane, but Croatia defender Josip Stanišić produced a crucial block to deny the striker.
The visitors equalised in the 59th minute following a defensive mistake. England centre-back Jarell Quansah attempted to head a corner back towards Pickford, but inadvertently presented the ball to Croatian midfielder Petar Sučić, who reacted quickly to hook it into the roof of the net.
England responded almost immediately. Quansah was dragged to the ground by Croatia defender Ivan Smolčić during a corner, prompting a VAR review. The referee awarded a penalty and booked Smolčić, allowing Kane to restore England’s lead in the 64th minute with a composed finish down the centre of the goal.
Croatia introduced veteran midfielder Luka Modrić in search of another equaliser, and Nikola Vlašić came close with a curling effort that narrowly missed the near post.
England thought they had added a third in the 86th minute when substitute James Garner finished from Bellingham’s pass, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Croatia pushed forward during the closing stages, with Luka Vušković heading over in stoppage time, but England held firm to secure all three points and book their place in the quarter-finals.