Harry Kane marked a historic night for English football with a composed two-goal performance as England eased to a 3-0 victory over Czechia at Wembley, moving the captain level with Peter Shilton's all-time record of 125 caps for the national team.
The result leaves Thomas Tuchel's side on the verge of securing their place in the Nations League knockout stage, with just one more point needed in their November fixtures to confirm progression.
England took the lead through an own goal from Vladimir Coufal, who turned the ball into his own net from close range in a finish as unfortunate as it was emphatic. The hosts led 1-0 at the interval, though the game had largely lacked spark until Kane produced the moment supporters had been waiting for.
In the 40th minute, England constructed a flowing move spanning the length of the pitch. Elliot Anderson's pivoting pass found Morgan Rogers, who delivered a first-time volleyed cross into the box. Kane met it with a clean first-time finish across the goalkeeper, showcasing the kind of clinical movement that has defined his career.
The captain was not finished there. Twelve minutes into the second half, he rose to meet a corner with a downward header, guiding the ball into the net to complete his brace and put the result beyond doubt at 3-0. Kane was substituted shortly after to warm applause from the Wembley crowd.
The double strike took Kane's international tally to 91 goals in 125 appearances, a goals-to-games ratio that now surpasses that of Iran's Ali Daei, previously regarded as having the best scoring rate among prolific international forwards. Kane now trails only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in terms of career international goal tallies, while his efficiency in front of goal remains unmatched among the sport's heaviest scorers.
Since the start of last season, Kane has now scored 85 goals in 75 appearances for club and country combined, continuing a remarkable run of form that has elevated his profile both in England and abroad. His performances for Bayern Munich in Germany have drawn widespread praise, with Liverpool's Luis Díaz recently describing him as