Spain booked their place in the Nations League quarter-finals on Tuesday, 6 October, while Harry Kane scored twice for England on the night he matched Peter Shilton’s men’s international appearance record.
According to UEFA’s matchday report, Mikel Merino’s double secured a 2-1 comeback victory away to Croatia. England won 3-0 against Czechia at Wembley, with Kane involved in all three goals.
Kane delivers on his 125th appearance
England Football confirmed that Kane’s appearance brought him level with Shilton on 125 caps. The striker reached the milestone just over 11 years after his England debut, compared with almost 20 years for the former goalkeeper.
England took the lead when Vladimír Coufal turned Kane’s cross into his own net. Kane then finished from Morgan Rogers’ delivery before half-time and headed in Lewis Hall’s corner after the break.
UEFA says the double took Kane to six goals in this Nations League campaign, making him the competition’s leading scorer.
England Football’s post-match figures also put his international scoring total at 91. The victory gave Thomas Tuchel his 20th win in 26 matches as England manager, the quickest any manager has reached that number.
Kane has now scored 13 England goals in 2026. Only his own tally of 16 in 2021 is higher for an England player in a single calendar year.
Merino turns the match for Spain
Croatia went ahead through Ivan Perišić, but substitute Merino equalised before scoring the late winner. Perišić was sent off between the two Spanish goals.
The result made Spain the second team to qualify for the quarter-finals, following Portugal, and extended their winning run to 11 matches, UEFA reported.
In comments published by the Royal Spanish Football Federation, coach Luis de la Fuente praised his players for staying patient through a difficult match.
He said Croatia had put Spain under considerable pressure, but his team continued creating chances. He also praised goalkeeper Unai Simón and highlighted Merino’s contribution, saying the midfielder’s ability deserved greater recognition.
England still need to finish the job.
Reuters reports that Spain lead Group A3 with 12 points, followed by England on nine. Croatia have three points and Czechia remain without a point.
England are close to qualification, but their quarter-final place is not yet secured. The final two group rounds take place in November.
