Harry Kane penalty seals England win over Croatia on record night
For much of the night, the urge to celebrate him — certainly beforehand — felt like the main event.
Pierre-Louis Crescitz
harry kane, england, croatia, nations league, rijeka, kane, night, record-breaking night
Key facts
It was his 27th successful penalty for England. He walked out for kick-off with his four children, and there was plenty for them to take in before a…
For much of the night, the urge to celebrate him — certainly beforehand — felt like the main event.
The first half was subdued. England were in control, but little of note happened.
It was his 27th successful penalty for England. He walked out for kick-off with his four children, and there was plenty for them to take in before a ball was kicked.
For much of the night, the urge to celebrate him — certainly beforehand — felt like the main event.
The first half was subdued. England were in control, but little of note happened.
It was after that quiet opening that Kane took hold of the night, converting the spot-kick that sealed the win.
Croatia fought until the end and created a clutch of late chances. The best came in the 82nd minute, when Nikola Vlasic took a touch and shot just wide.
England move on to a showdown with Spain.
Dig deeper
Who is Harry Kane?
England’s captain and all-time leading scorer, a centre-forward whose spot-kick decided the match.
Who is Nikola Vlasic?
A Croatia attacking midfielder whose 82nd-minute shot was the visitors’ clearest chance to equalise.
What are England and Croatia in this story?
They are the senior men’s national football teams that met in this international match.
Why does the Spain match matter?
Spain are England’s next opponents, another leading European side, so the win sets up a tougher test.