Kane equals men’s cap record with two-goal performance

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Harry Kane matched Peter Shilton’s record for most England men’s appearances by playing his 125th game and scored twice in a 3-0 Nations League win over the Czech Republic. Kane is poised to break the record soon and aims to continue improving while pursuing the goal of winning a major international trophy with England.

England striker Harry Kane equalled the country’s men’s appearance record during a 3-0 victory over the Czech Republic in the Nations League at Wembley Stadium on Wednesday. Kane, 33, made his 125th appearance for England, matching the longstanding milestone set by goalkeeper Peter Shilton. He marked the occasion by scoring twice, taking his international goal tally to 91.

Kane's performance drew praise from teammate Jude Bellingham, who described him as England’s greatest player. Bellingham, 23, who has earned 60 caps himself, called Kane an “unbelievable human being” and praised his leadership both on and off the pitch. “He is pretty unmatched. He is scoring goals for fun, he goes deep and he gets tackles in. He is only getting better,” Bellingham said.

Reflecting on his current form, Kane said he is coming off his “best season ever” and expressed optimism about continuing his international career for several more years. “I feel in an even better place [than last season],” Kane said. “It isn’t just about goals and stats. It’s all-round play and leadership. Those qualities have gotten better over the last few years. I’m going to keep pushing and see where it takes me.”

Kane also acknowledged the possibility of surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 146 international goals if he sustains his scoring pace. “It would be another 50-odd goals. It’s an awfully long way away right now, but who knows? I’m in great shape. It’s season by season with me. As long as I feel I can help the team, I’ll be around,” he said.

Reaching Shilton’s record had seemed unlikely earlier in his career, Kane added, describing it as “beyond my wildest dreams” and “an extreme privilege.” However, he emphasized that winning a major international trophy remains the defining goal of his England career. “I made it clear from early in my England career that to win a trophy with England would be the biggest honour,” Kane stated.

Kane is expected to break the men’s appearance record outright in England’s upcoming fixtures next month as he continues to add to his international legacy.

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