Harry Kane is about to add another historic record to his extraordinary career. The England captain will reach 126 international matches this Thursday in the duel against Croatia for the European Nations League, becoming the footballer with the most appearances in the history of the Three Lions.
The Bayern Munich striker will thus surpass the mark of 125 games that belonged to legendary goalkeeper Peter Shilton since 1990, putting the finishing touch to an unforgettable year in which he also won the Ballon d’Or.
«It is definitely among my greatest achievements. I think it shows perseverance at the highest level. It is a testament to all the dedication and that time that people don’t see and that keeps me fit and healthy,” Kane said at the press conference prior to the match.
At 33 years old, the attacker is already England’s all-time top scorer, with 91 goals, and also holds Tottenham’s scoring record, with 280. Since his arrival at Bayern Munich in 2023, he has scored 156 goals and won two Bundesliga titles, in 2025 and 2026.
His growth has also been reflected in his leadership within the English dressing room. After the elimination in the World Cup semi-finals in July against Argentina, Kane reportedly led a conversation with coach Thomas Tuchel to express his concerns about the team’s tactical approach.
Defender Jarell Quansah, a teammate and Bundesliga rival with Bayer Leverkusen, highlighted the striker’s qualities and the impact of his recent individual recognition.
«He is a player who is scary to face. Nobody wants to play against him. “He almost certainly scores a goal every week,” commented Quansah, who also highlighted his professionalism and status as captain.
Kane still has pending goals with England, especially after losing the finals of the 2021 and 2024 Euro Cups. His great aspiration is to win an international title and become the first English captain to do so since Bobby Moore, world champion in 1966.
Furthermore, the forward does not hide his ambition to reach 100 goals with the national team.
«I don’t like to set limits. 100 goals is a milestone that I want to reach as soon as possible. “I feel very good and I hope there are many more years to see what I can achieve,” he stated, also with his sights set on the 2030 World Cup.
