Key Highlights
- Harry Kane will win his 126th England cap against Croatia at Wembley.
- The Bayern Munich striker is set to surpass Peter Shilton as England’s most-capped men’s player.
- Kane has scored 91 goals in 125 appearances for England and is already the country’s record goalscorer.
Harry Kane Set to Break England Appearance Record
Harry Kane will become the most-capped men’s player in England history when the Three Lions face Croatia in the Nations League at Wembley on Thursday, with kick-off scheduled for 19:45 GMT. The Bayern Munich striker is set to make his 126th appearance for England, moving beyond former goalkeeper Peter Shilton’s record of 125 caps earned between 1970 and 1990.
Kane first announced himself on the international stage in 2015, scoring 79 seconds into his England debut for Tottenham at the age of 21. After that performance, England manager Roy Hodgson said: “It’s great when fairytales come true,” and added: “Let’s hope it’s the start of a good and long England career for him.” Eleven years later, Kane is on the verge of setting a new benchmark for appearances in England’s men’s team.
The landmark will come as Kane continues to build one of the most significant international careers in English football. He has scored 91 goals in 125 appearances for his country, making him England’s record goalscorer. London-born Kane grew up in Chingford, went on to captain England and, according to the source, won the 2026 Ballon d’Or before reaching the appearance record.
Kane Reflects on England Milestone
Kane has experienced the full emotional range of representing England. He fought back tears after missing a penalty during the 2022 World Cup quarter-final defeat by France. He also sang Wonderwall with supporters after England defeated Croatia at this summer’s World Cup, describing the moment as one of his “favourite ever moments” in a Three Lions shirt.
Despite the personal significance of Thursday’s record, Kane said the achievement was secondary to England’s collective performance. “It’s not about me – it’s about the team,” said Kane, scorer of 91 goals in 125 appearances for his country, about his landmark moment. “I love coming to every England camp, I love playing every game and representing the country in the best way possible.”
England manager Thomas Tuchel described the occasion as a fitting celebration of Kane’s achievements when announcing his squad last week. “He wins the Ballon d’Or, and deservedly so, and in the next game for England he gets the all-time record with 126 matches,” Tuchel said. “Thursday is a deserved occasion to celebrate an extraordinary player.”
Why This Matters
Kane’s appearance against Croatia will place him alone at the top of England’s men’s cap records, surpassing a mark held by Peter Shilton for more than three decades. The milestone also underlines Kane’s durability and sustained importance to the national team, following his progression from a young Tottenham striker to England captain and record goalscorer.
The Wembley match provides England with an opportunity to mark Kane’s record in front of home supporters while continuing their Nations League campaign. Kane’s comments indicate that the achievement is being viewed within the broader goal of representing England and performing for the team.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Harry Kane become England’s most-capped men’s player?
Kane will break the record when he makes his 126th England appearance against Croatia at Wembley on Thursday, with kick-off at 19:45 GMT.
Who currently holds the England men’s appearance record?
Peter Shilton currently holds the record with 125 England caps, earned between 1970 and 1990.
How many goals has Harry Kane scored for England?
Kane has scored 91 goals in 125 appearances for England and is the country’s record goalscorer.
