Harry Kane equals England cap record as Jude Bellingham leads tributes
Harry Kane
Jude BellinghamHarry Kane equalled Peter Shilton’s all-time England men’s appearance record in style, scoring twice in a dominant 3-0 Nations League victory over Czechia at Wembley.
The Bayern Munich striker earned his 125th cap on Tuesday night, moving level with the legendary former goalkeeper. His performance drew glowing praise from Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham, who hailed the England captain and declared that the forward is “only getting better” as his career progresses.
Thomas Tuchel’s side were in complete control throughout the evening, bounce-backing from an earlier camp defeat against world champions Spain with a third consecutive victory. The scoring opened when Czech defender Vladimír Coufal accidentally deflected Kane’s dangerous cross past his own goalkeeper.
A masterclass in team play at Wembley
England’s second goal was a masterclass in team play. Elliot Anderson threaded a clever pass through to Morgan Rogers, who delivered a precise first-time cross for Kane to sweep home from close range five minutes before the break.
Kane then sealed the victory in the 57th minute, rising highest to head home a corner delivered by Lewis Hall. The double took his international tally to 91 goals, further cementing his status as the country’s greatest ever goalscorer.
Speaking to reporters after the historic match, Kane said:
“It’s not about me, it’s about the team, but to get a couple of goals and help the team to win, it’s been the perfect night.”
The England captain was substituted to a standing ovation in the 82nd minute, having already received a rapturous reception from the Wembley crowd before kick-off. His two goals on the night also marked his 50th strike for both club and country during 2026, putting him comfortably ahead of Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé, who has 33.
Tributes pour in from a legendary predecessor
Such clinical form has kept Kane firmly in the conversation for the Ballon d’Or, which will be presented in London on October 26. Since making his international debut in March 2015, where he scored within 80 seconds against Lithuania, Kane has now moved 37 goals clear of Wayne Rooney in the national standings.
Shilton, who represented England from 1970 to 1990, was quick to pay tribute to the striker. The 77-year-old suggested that Kane could set a cap record that might never be broken.
Speaking in a video message shared on social media, Shilton said:
“You’re still playing well and scoring goals. And I know how much dedication and hard work you actually put into achieving this.”
Kane is now one of only five active players to have scored 90 or more international goals, joining an elite group that includes Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Romelu Lukaku, and Robert Lewandowski.
Chasing the ultimate goalscoring records
When asked if he could challenge Ronaldo’s record, Kane said:
“It’s season by season and as long as I feel like I can help the team and be valuable, I’ll be around.”
England’s focus now turns to their final Nations League group fixture against Croatia at Wembley on November 12. Tuchel’s side need just a single point from that game to guarantee their place in the quarter-finals next March.
