Harry Kane celebrated his 100th England cap in remarkable fashion, scoring twice to secure a 2-0 Nations League victory over Finland on Tuesday.
Harry Kane celebrated his 100th England cap with a stunning double in a 2-0 Nations League win over Finland on Tuesday. England captain Harry Kane scored twice in the second half at Wembley Stadium, marking the latest milestone in his incredible career. The 31-year-old is the tenth England player to complete a century of appearances, joining David Beckham and Bobby Moore in this select company. With 125 appearances, goalkeeper Peter Shilton owns England’s caps record, while Wayne Rooney is the country’s most capped outfield player with 120, and it wouldn’t be surprising if Kane surpassed both of them.He is only the third England player to score in their 100th appearance, following Rooney against Slovenia in 2014 and Bobby Charlton against Northern Ireland in 1970.
Kane broke England’s scoring record in March 2023, and the Bayern Munich striker currently has 68 goals for his country.
Inspired by the durability of Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo, who recently scored his 901st career goal, and NFL star Tom Brady, Kane shows no signs of slowing down in his record-breaking career.
It was a beautiful night for the former Tottenham Hotspur great, who led England onto the ground with his two children before kick-off and was presented with a commemorative gold cap by fellow Three Lions centurions Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole.
“He has excellent finishing skills, even in training. “It’s no surprise when he scores goals because his habits are so good,” England interim manager Lee Carsley remarked.
“The way he trains and conducts himself, he is a great example for the rest of the players.”
While Kane stole the show, Carsley’s 2-0 victory over Ireland in his maiden game in command on Saturday was also encouraging.
Carsley is the first England manager to win his first two competitive matches since Fabio Capello in 2008.
The 50-year-old, who took over for Southgate after his resignation following the Euro 2024 final loss to Spain, has implemented an offensive strategy that contrasts sharply with his predecessor’s conservative tactics.It remains to be seen if that will be enough to secure him a permanent position, but his good start has given the Football Association food for thought before England face Greece in October.
“I’m entirely at ease about the issue. “I need to do a good job,” Carsley remarked.
“We have shown to ourselves that we are capable. We can put ideas in place, and the players have responded quite well.”
Carsley gave Lille midfielder Angel Gomes his first Three Lions start, and he made an impression, while Chelsea winger Noni Madueke set up Kane’s second goal after coming off the bench for his debut.Carsley had also visited Wembley earlier this year to see Bruce Springsteen, and although England’s performance may not have been on par with the other “Boss,” they did have their own star player in Kane.
Donning golden boots, Kane transformed the Group B2 Nations League match in rain-soaked north London into yet another example of his legendary ability.
After being thwarted by a close ruling for offside in the first half and multiple excellent saves from Finland’s goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky, Kane finally scored in the 58th minute.
Twenty yards from goal, Kane took Trent Alexander-Arnold’s pass and skillfully moved the ball into space before launching a fierce shot that struck the underside of the crossbar and bounced into the net.Kane scored his 26th goal in 35 Wembley appearances for England, which was quickly followed by his 27th in the 76th minute.
Running to Alexander-Arnold’s pinpoint pass, Madueke teed up Kane with a low cross, which the striker finished in classic predatory form from 12 yards.
When Kane was replaced moments later, he received a standing ovation, capping off a memorable night.
