Harry Kane Sets New England Record, Italy Secure Stunning 3-1 Victory Over France In Nations League Clash

Harry Kane Scripts England History, Italy Hand France 3-1 Defeat In Nations League Showdown

Harry Kane enjoyed a memorable outing for England on Thursday, becoming the country’s most-capped men’s international before scoring in a 2-1 victory over Croatia in the UEFA Nations League. The England skipper made his 126th appearance, moving past former goalkeeper Peter Shilton, and took his international goal tally to 92.

Meanwhile, Italy claimed an impressive 3-1 victory over France at the San Siro, with Pio Esposito scoring twice in a historic performance. The win marked Italy’s first home triumph against France since 1962 and brought both teams level on 10 points in Group A1, with Italy ahead on head-to-head record.

Spain also enjoyed a successful evening, defeating the Czech Republic 2-0 to preserve their perfect record in the competition. Goals from Alex Baena and Marc Pubill helped extend Spain’s unbeaten streak to 43 matches.

Belgium kept their hopes of reaching the next stage alive by recovering from an early deficit to beat Türkiye 2-1. The latest results have left several qualification battles to be settled in the final round of group fixtures.

Kane Surpasses Shilton In England’s International Appearances

England’s 2-1 win over Croatia at Wembley provided the perfect setting for Kane to establish a new national record. His 126th international appearance took him beyond Peter Shilton’s previous record, making him England’s most-capped men’s player.

Morgan Rogers opened the scoring in the 24th minute, finishing a move created with the involvement of Jude Bellingham. Croatia responded in the 59th minute when Petar Sucic found the net.

England restored their advantage five minutes later after Jarell Quansah was fouled inside the penalty area. Kane converted the penalty confidently to register his 92nd goal for the national side.

Reflecting on the achievement and the upcoming challenge against Spain, Kane told ITV Sport that Sunday’s encounter would be an opportunity for England to prove themselves.

England must defeat Spain by a margin of at least two goals in Madrid to claim the top position in Group A3. The Three Lions had suffered a 3-2 defeat in the previous meeting in September.

Pio Esposito Leads Italy To Victory Over France

Italy produced a strong response after conceding an early goal against France at the San Siro.

Michael Olise gave the visitors the advantage after capitalising on a mistake by goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. Italy fought back in the 26th minute, with Pio Esposito finishing a delivery from Nicol Cambiaghi.

France threatened to regain the lead but were denied by the woodwork twice. Italy subsequently missed an opportunity from the penalty spot through Sebastiano Esposito.

Substitute Davide Frattesi then put the hosts ahead, changing the momentum of the contest. Italy earned another penalty after Antonio Vergara was brought down by Dayot Upamecano, and Pio Esposito converted to complete his brace.

The victory lifted Italy level with France on 10 points in Group A1, although the Azzurri hold the advantage in their head-to-head record.

• Spain Maintain Dominance Against Czech Republic
• Spain continued their impressive run with a 2-0 away victory over the Czech Republic.

Alex Baena converted a penalty towards the end of the first half to put the visitors ahead. The hosts faced a further setback in the 72nd minute when captain Ladislav Krejci was sent off.

Marc Pubill secured the result by scoring in the sixth minute of stoppage time. Spain’s 43-match unbeaten run underlined their consistency as they prepared for a decisive encounter against England.

• Belgium Keep Qualification Hopes Alive
• Belgium revived their chances with a comeback victory against Türkiye.

Türkiye took an early lead through Arda Guler’s free-kick in the 20th minute. However, Kevin De Bruyne brought Belgium level before Charles De Ketelaere scored the decisive goal to complete a 2-1 turnaround.

Belgium now face Italy in a crucial final group fixture that could determine their qualification prospects.

Results From Other Nations League Matches

In other encounters, Albania defeated Finland 2-0, while Belarus recorded an identical victory against San Marino in Group C1.

Montenegro secured promotion from Group C2 after overcoming Latvia 2-1. Armenia and Cyprus shared the points in a 1-1 draw.

With the group stage nearing its conclusion, the final fixtures are expected to determine the remaining quarter-final places, group winners and promotion outcomes.