England vs Croatia ended 2–1 as Harry Kane scored the winner on his record 126th cap. Read the Nations League match report, goals, and key highlights.
Introduction:
England secured their place in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals with a 2–1 victory over Croatia at Wembley Stadium on Thursday, November 12, 2026. Morgan Rogers opened the scoring in the 24th minute before Petar Susic brought Croatia level after the break. Captain Harry Kane then converted a 64th-minute penalty to restore England’s advantage. The result was especially memorable for Kane, who made his 126th appearance and became the most-capped player in England men’s international football history.
England vs Croatia: A Cautious Start at Wembley
Croatia began confidently, winning early corners and making England work to establish control. Thomas Tuchel’s side gradually settled, with Elliot Anderson sending an effort over the bar after 16 minutes.
England’s breakthrough came in the 24th minute. Kane delivered a diagonal pass towards Jude Bellingham, who redirected the ball across the goalmouth. Rogers reacted quickly to turn it in from close range and give the hosts a 1–0 lead.
The full-backs also pushed forward. Lewis Hall had a shot deflected away, while Trent Alexander-Arnold fired over from distance. Croatia responded through attempts by Mateo Kovacis and Martin Baturina, but Jordan Pickford dealt with both. England remained ahead at half-time. See also: Harry Kane’s incredible journey: 100 Bundesliga games and 101 goals for Bayern
Susic Equalises After England Miss Chances
England created opportunities soon after the restart. Anthony Gordon curled an effort wide, and Croatian defender Josip Stanisic blocked Kane after Declan Rice had delivered the ball into the area. Bellingham also tested goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic.
Croatia made those missed chances count in the 59th minute. England failed to clear a corner, and Jarell Quansah’s attempted header back towards Pickford left Susic able to react first. The midfielder lifted the loose ball into the net to make it 1–1.
The equaliser briefly changed the mood at Wembley, but England had an immediate opportunity to respond.
Kane’s Penalty Restores England’s Lead
In the 63rd minute, Ivan Smol?i? brought down Quansah during an England corner. Following a VAR review, referee Morten Krogh awarded the hosts a penalty.
Kane stepped forward and drove his kick down the middle in the 64th minute. It was his 92nd international goal, placing another milestone alongside his appearance record.
Croatia continued searching for an equaliser. Nikola Vlaši? narrowly missed the target, while substitute Ante Budimir threatened late on. Quansah produced an important defensive intervention, and Budimir headed over during stoppage time. England substitute James Garner also found the net, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
Standout Players and Match Statistics
Kane influenced the contest beyond his winning goal, helping create the opener with his pass to Bellingham. Rogers took his chance decisively, while Bellingham’s movement and delivery were important in England’s first-half attack.
The statistics suggest a competitive encounter rather than a comfortable win. According to Sky Sports, England had 54.2% possession and 15 shots, compared with Croatia’s 13. Croatia actually registered five efforts on target to England’s four, illustrating the visitors’ threat.
What the Result Means for England
The victory confirmed England’s place in the Nations League quarter-finals, scheduled for March 2027. It also kept alive their opportunity to finish first in Group A3.
Tuchel’s team next faces Spain in Madrid on Sunday, November 15, with the group’s top position still to be decided. Croatia, meanwhile, were unable to build on Su?i?’s equaliser and left Wembley without points.
Conclusion
England’s narrow victory combined an important qualification achievement with a landmark night for their captain. Rogers supplied the early breakthrough, Su?i? kept Croatia in contention, and Kane delivered when the hosts needed a winner. Although England endured some nervous moments in the closing stages, they held firm to book a quarter-final place and carry momentum into their meeting with Spain.