Harry Kane matches Shilton's record and scores twice for England
On a cool evening in London, Harry Kane put on a historic spectacle: he played his 125th international for England, matching Peter Shilton’s record, and scored two goals against the Czech Republic, making him the oldest (33) English striker to score twice in two consecutive matches.
The match against the Czech Republic ended in a convincing win for England, with Kane adding the 90th and 91st goals for his country to the tally. With these two strikes he reached a personal milestone and reinforced his status as a key player.
Record and goals
With his 125th cap, Kane equaled the number of internationals of legendary goalkeeper Peter Shilton, who had been the undisputed record holder for years. At 33, he is also the oldest English player to score twice in two consecutive internationals.
Afterwards, Kane told the BBC about the evening: “For me this was almost the perfect night to close this international period. A special night on which I have equaled the record, an achievement I am extremely proud of.” He added that it gave extra pleasure to score the two goals himself.
Reactions from Tuchel and Bellingham
National team coach Thomas Tuchel could barely keep up with the praise. “He always delivers, no matter when. It is of course remarkable that he did this today, now that he is matching Peter Shilton’s record,” he praised the striker.
Tuchel continued with a hymn of praise for Jude Bellingham: “He is the best English player to ever wear the shirt and it is an honour to play alongside him.” Regarding Bellingham’s status he said: “I don’t know if he is the absolute best England has ever had, but he is a legend in English football.”
The manager also emphasized the importance of staying fit: “Hopefully he stays fit. He will inspire countless youngsters to take up football and encourage people to choose a football career just like he did.”
The evening underscores how individual milestones and team results go hand in hand, and confirms Kane’s role as an inspiring example for the next generation of English footballers. With the upcoming international periods on the horizon, his contribution remains crucial for England’s ambitions on the international stage.