England 2-1 Croatia - UEFA Nations League result and reaction as Harry Kane makes record appearance and Three Lions reach quarter-finals

Harry Kane scored a record-extending 92nd goal for England in his record-breaking 126th appearance, as The Three Lions booked their place in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals.

Thomas Tuchel’s side beat Croatia 2-1 at Wembley on Thursday for a fourth win on the bounce, as Morgan Rogers and Kane struck in England’s penultimate game of the year.

Croatia started better than they did in the 7–0 defeat to England last month, but they fell behind when Rogers bundled the ball over the line after 24 minutes.

Kane was involved as he clipped a cross to Jude Bellingham at the back post, and he produced a low cross which Josko Gvardiol failed to clear, before Rogers forced the ball over the line.

The visitors hit back after an hour when Jarell Quansah - who was caught in two minds - made an error with a weak header back to Jordan Pickford on the edge of the six-yard box following a Croatia corner, and Petar Sucic pounced to level.

England were back in front a few minutes later when Quansah made up for his error to win a penalty down the other end, which Kane buried to cap off a special night at Wembley.

England head to Spain on Sunday in their final game of 2026 with the chance to win Group A3, while Croatia lost a fourth consecutive game for the first time in their history.

Here is what the England boss had to say after victory at Wembley.

"It was a good win," he told ITV. "We wanted the win desperately and deserved it.

"It was hard work against a good opponent, we took a while to grow into the game but after 15 minutes we did OK and got the goal and got better.

"We got a little sloppy at the end of the first half, didn't get the second goal and then conceded from a set piece.

"They showed a good reaction. We forgot then to score the third one. Then it became tight and difficult but we got the job done on a special occasion for Harry.

The England captain spoke to ITV after the game, reflecting on his record-breaking night and looking ahead to Sunday's clash with Spain.

Kane said: "An incredible gesture at the start of the game but it was all about getting the win.

"They are a tough team who wanted to prove something. For large spells we did well but got a little tired. It sets up a great game on Sunday [against Spain]."

Kane added: "We gave away too many easy balls in our own half, which killed our momentum. We had enough chances. They are a good team. 

"We are in the midst of a tough run of games for club and country so you can't expect everything to be perfect.

"We can improve and will need to on Sunday."

Of course, it had to be him!

Kane's penalty — his 92nd goal for England — has earned victory at Wembley to set up a Group A3 final against Spain for top spot on Sunday!

Rogers swipes at a shot on the box, but his effort sails over the bar.

We could have had goals down both ends in added time!

Croatia should be level.

Budimir has a free header at the back post following a corner but sends it over the bar!

We're into added time at the end of the second half.

The Newcastle defender once again wins the ball in the air at an England corner, but sends this one over.

He's such a threat at both ends!

Croatia go close from a corner as two blue shirts queue up to head the ball just three yards from the goal line, but as he always does, Burn rises highest to head the ball clear!

James Garner thinks he has his first England goal, but Bellingham strayed just offside in the build-up and the assistant referee's call is the right one.

Modric slips a ball to Vlasic on the edge of the box who looks to steer a shot into the bottom corner, but it flashes just wide of the near post.

That was close! Croatia aren't done yet.

Unless England concede twice, they will be in the Nations League quarter-finals!

It's a triple change and Ben White is introduced to a few boos.

The visitors make a triple change, including the introduction of Luka Modric, who gets a big cheer from the Wembley crowd.

A special night for a special player!

Mario Pasalic and Ante Budimir are on for Igor Matanovic and Sucic.

The defender was cautioned for fouling Quansah which led to the penalty.