Bellingham crowns Kane England GOAT as Tuchel backs Ballon d’Or bid

Harry Kane equalled Peter Shilton’s record with his 125th England cap as he scored twice in a 3‑0 Nations League win over Czechia, prompting Jude Bellingham to hail him as the England GOAT and Thomas Tuchel to urge his captain to win the Ballon d’Or.

Kane's double caps a historic night

Kane opened the scoring on 40 minutes after Morgan Rogers delivered a stunning cross that the striker turned home. A second‑half corner from Lewis Hall produced his second, sealing a comfortable 3‑0 win over Czechia. An own‑goal by Vladimir Coufal also counted as an assist for Kane, as shown in the Getty photograph, reinforcing his veteran status with the Three Lions.

The brace took Kane’s tally to 91 goals from 125 England appearances, a strike rate that underlines his consistency. He also recorded 12 goals in 11 matches for England and Bayern Munich this season. At 33, he became the oldest player to net two goals in consecutive England fixtures, following a double against Croatia.

Jude Bellingham praised Kane in an ITV interview, calling him an ‘unbelievable human being’ and the best England player ever to wear the shirt. He highlighted the captain’s willingness to drop deep, deliver passes and contribute defensively, adding that Kane is only getting better. Bellingham’s comments cemented the striker’s status as the England GOAT in the midfielder’s view.

Kane's double sets record, Perisic fights for Croatia

Tuchel backs Kane for Ballon d’Or

Thomas Tuchel, England’s head coach, said Kane deserves the Ballon d’Or and would vote for him if he could. He recalled coaching Kane at Bayern Munich and praised his leadership, calmness and work ethic. Tuchel noted that Kane’s performances this season have been ‘very, very good’ and that he leads the high press for England.

The win left England second in Group A3, behind Spain, and a single point away from the Nations League quarter‑finals. Tuchel’s side must avoid an eight‑goal loss to Croatia in the November international break to secure progression. The result also followed a 2‑0 victory in Prague and a 7‑0 thrashing of Croatia in Rijeka earlier in the window.

Kane was substituted late on and received a standing ovation before being replaced by Leeds United forward Dominic Calvert‑Lewin. He later reflected on his 125 caps as ‘beyond my wildest dreams’ and said he is still chasing his century of England goals. The striker affirmed he will keep pushing to improve, even after his best season at 32.

Robinson warns a travesty if Kane misses Ballon d’Or after Wembley brace

Kane is among the 30 nominees for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, which will be awarded on 26 October in London. Both Bellingham and Tuchel expect his continued form to strengthen his case for the prestigious award.