Kane's 92nd strike lifts England in Nations League clash at Wembley

England edged Croatia 2‑1 on Thursday, 12 December, at Wembley Stadium in London as part of the Nations League Group 3 fifth‑round clash, with Morgan Rogers opening the scoring and Harry Kane converting a penalty – his 92nd goal for the national side.

The match photograph was supplied by Esporte News Mundo. At ten minutes, Kane delivered a precise pass to Hall, whose run ended with a cross into the penalty area. The Croatian defence succeeded in clearing the ensuing danger. Five minutes later, Arnold sent a cross that fell to Rice, who threaded the ball to Morgan Rogers to set up the attack.

Early chances and build‑up

Elliot Anderson arrived with a powerful strike, but his effort sailed over Livakovic's goal. In the 23rd minute, Kane again supplied Bellingham; the ball slipped between Vlasic's legs, Gvardiol attempted a clearance, and Morgan Rogers collected the loose ball and shot. Two minutes later, Kovacic unleashed a long‑range effort that Jordan Pickford comfortably saved. At 34 minutes, Bellingham received Rogers' pass and shot, only for Domagoj Vuskovic's defence to block the attempt.

Jack Gordon received Bellingham's pass inside the area at 47 minutes and curled a shot that drifted to the left of Livakovic's goal. Five minutes on, Rice paired with Rogers and crossed; Kane struck from the edge of the six‑yard box, but Stanisic intervened to deny the finish. Gordon fell in the penalty area at 54 minutes and appealed for a spot‑kick, but the referee allowed play to continue. In the immediate aftermath, Bellingham again shot, forcing Livakovic into a save.

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Second‑half drama

Elliot Anderson then showcased a solo run, dribbling three opponents and beating Kovacic before an errant back‑pass to Gordon saw his attack collapse. Following a Baturina corner, Gvardiol headed at 59 minutes; Quansah's attempt to play back to Pickford resulted in the ball falling to Luka Sucic. Sucic capitalised on the defensive lapse, volleying home to level the match at one apiece.

Declan Rice's corner three minutes later saw Quansah fall in the area; referee Morten Krogh promptly awarded a penalty to England. Harry Kane converted the spot‑kick in the 64th minute, observing Livakovic shift left before placing the ball centrally, extending England's lead. At 82 minutes, Luka Modric orchestrated a promising move, threading a pass to Josip Vlasic, whose fine control failed to produce a goal.

In the 86th minute, Bellingham, positioned irregularly, supplied a pass to James Garner, whose strike was ruled out for offside as England's number ten was ahead of the Croatian line. A minute later, Budimir found himself one‑on‑one with Pickford, whose timely tackle denied the Croatian attacker. After Sucic's missed chance, Pickford recovered and made a crucial save to preserve England's advantage.