Harry Kane: England captain reflects on 'overwhelming' Wembley reception after Ballon d'Or win and record-breaking appearance against Croatia
Harry Kane became England's most-capped player against Croatia; captain marked record-breaking night with winner in Nations League; Kane passed Peter Shilton's record, going to 126 caps and received pre-match tributes at Wembley
Thursday 12 November 2026 22:47, UK
Harry Kane says the reaction to his Ballon d'Or win and record appearance for England has been "overwhelming".
The Three Lions captain walked out at Wembley on Thursday to a huge tifo celebrating his 126th international appearance and received awards from former record holder Peter Shilton, Prince William and Croatia captain Luka Modric, as well as presenting his Ballon d'Or trophy to the crowd.
Kane then went on to strike the winning penalty for England in a 2-1 Nations League triumph which sealed their place in the quarter-finals of the competition. They can top the group and be seeded for the last-eight draw if they beat Spain in Madrid on Sunday.
"It was incredible. Everything was amazing," said Kane in a post-match press conference. "Thank you to everyone who organised [the tributes], with the tifo and presentations. Thank you to Luka [Modric] and Croatia for their gift.
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"It's been a crazy few weeks with a lot happening, but it's an important moment in our history as a national team.
"But once the game started it was full focus. These occasions feel much better when you win and now I can take a breath and enjoy this."
On the positive reaction to his individual accolades, Kane said: "I don't know if I've taken it all in fully. The reception I've had has been overwhelming."
As well as his 92nd goal for England - "A nice penalty, I missed my last penalty at Bayern so the next one is always important to bounce back" - Kane also played a key role in the opener. Dropping deep he played a fine pass to Jude Bellingham to cross for Morgan Rogers to score.
"It's an area I like to play in, the left pocket," said Kane. "The more I play with players like Morgan and Jude, they know I'm going to play that kind of ball so they make those runs.
"You've seen over recent years it's been a big weapon for me. It depends on the game and I saw there was a bit of space.
"Of course there were things we could improve on tonight but it was important to get the win and it sets up a fantastic game on Sunday now."
Thomas: 'Perfect evening' despite difficulties
Thomas Tuchel speaking to ITV:
"It was a good win. 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 okay 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. The 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. A perfect evening."
