Harry Kane equalled Peter Shilton's record for England appearances and scored twice as England beat Czechia 3-0 at Wembley, a result that all but secures a place in the Nations League knockouts.
Kane, earning his 125th cap, delivered a performance described as "Total Midweek Kane" — respectful, collective and effective. His two slick goals, one in each half, were the high points of the evening. England need one more point in November to be certain of progressing.
Classic Kane moments
Kane's first goal came on 40 minutes, a move straight out of the Charles Hughes FA handbook: three long-distance touches, 100 yards covered, Elliot Anderson's swivelling pass, Morgan Rogers' volleyed cross and a first-time finish on his right foot. The second arrived on 57 minutes, a downward header from a corner, combining two classic tropes — hanging in the air and creating pace on the ball.
Before the opener, England led 1-0 through Vladimir Coufal's spectacular close-range own goal. The game had a flat, midweek feel from the first whistle, with Wembley's atmosphere described as empty and glazed.
Goalscoring record in sight
Kane's goals-to-games ratio for England now stands at 91 goals in 125 appearances. No man has ever scored more goals for his country at a better ratio. Ali Daei, one of the great pub quiz questions of the early 2000s, was one decimal point ahead before tonight; Kane will surely reel in the Iranian goal machine, finishing up behind only Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Kane's career is a culmination of graft, brains and hard work. He was Millwall Young Player of the Year 14 years ago and just hoping to make it in the top tier. In Germany he has reached another level, scoring 85 goals in 75 games for club and country since the start of last season.
Legacy and impact
Kane is not the greatest ever England player — that is Bobby Charlton until someone matches his feat of winning the World Cup, European Cup and a Ballon d'Or and scoring 50-odd goals from midfield. But in the modern era, it's Kane, then everyone else.
He has 21 tournament goals, 10 in knockout games, two in semi-finals. Had he played for France, Argentina or Spain, he would have won a World Cup by now. Off the pitch, he is a "really nice bloke" who loves what he's doing and carries a sense of duty. As England's journey continues, its best chance of success will involve Kane simply being himself: more Kane, more goals, more of that unwavering low-key excellence.
