Harry Kane has ended his brief scoring drought—and in doing so, written another chapter in English soccer history. In the Three Lions’ 2-1 victory over Croatia in the Nations League, the Bayern Munich forward scored from the penalty spot. Even more remarkable, however, was another milestone: With his 126th international appearance, the 33-year-old is now England’s all-time leader in international caps.
It was a special evening for Kane at London’s Wembley Stadium. Since winning the Ballon d’Or, the forward had failed to score in three competitive matches for Bayern Munich—an unusual streak for the otherwise prolific striker.
Wearing the English national team jersey, he finally broke his scoring drought. Kane converted a penalty kick, thereby playing a decisive role in Thomas Tuchel’s team’s narrow victory. At the same time, the Bayern star was honored with an extraordinary tribute.
Wembley celebrates “King Kane” with a special choreographed display
Even before kickoff, Kane was the center of attention. The forward proudly presented his recently won Ballon d’Or to the English fans at Wembley Stadium.
The fans had come up with something special for their captain. With a large choreographed display, they paid tribute to the 33-year-old, who was depicted wearing the English national team jersey.
Beneath it was the inscription “Kane – 126”—a tribute to the historic record the Bayern striker set that evening.
With his 126th appearance for the Three Lions, Kane surpassed Peter Shilton’s previous English record. The former national team goalkeeper had played a total of 125 international matches between 1970 and 1990.
Kane had already tied the goalkeeping legend’s record back in October. Now the forward stands alone at the top of England’s all-time appearances list.
Shilton presents Kane with a personal award
Things got particularly emotional during the official tribute to the new record-holder. Peter Shilton made a point of congratulating Kane in person. The former goalkeeper presented the Bayern star with a small trophy in the form of a plaque.
In doing so, Shilton fulfilled the tribute he had previously announced. The England legend had emphasized beforehand that he could not imagine a better successor for his historic record.
For Kane, the appearance record is another milestone in his extraordinary career. After all, the forward has also held the England national team’s all-time scoring record since 2023.
The Bayern Munich pro now holds two of the Three Lions’ most significant individual records.
Kane is also making a comeback as a goal-scorer
Aside from the celebrations, Kane was likely particularly pleased with his goal against Croatia.
After three scoreless competitive matches for Bayern Munich, there had recently been some discussion—for the first time in quite a while—about his scoring form.
By converting his penalty kick, the Englishman has at least put an end to that streak on the international stage.
This is welcome news for Munich. After the international break, Vincent Kompany’s team will resume play on November 20 with a Bundesliga home game against 1. FC Köln.
Then Kane will try to find the back of the net again in a Bayern jersey.
Regardless, the 33-year-old is unlikely to forget his historic evening at Wembley Stadium anytime soon. With the Ballon d’Or, the international appearances record, and a goal of his own, the Bayern star had plenty of reasons to celebrate.