England beat the Czech Republic 3-0 at Wembley as Harry Kane marked his record-equalling 125th cap with a goal and an influential performance.
Kane moved level with Peter Shilton at the top of England’s appearance list, 36 years after the former goalkeeper set the previous record. The captain played a part in all three goals on a memorable night in north London.
England took the lead in the 27th minute when Kane’s cross was turned into the Czech net by Vladimir Coufal. The defender attempted to clear under no immediate pressure, only to send the ball past his own goalkeeper.
Kane then doubled the advantage five minutes before the interval. Elliot Anderson lifted a pass over the defence for Morgan Rogers, who found Kane in space and allowed the striker to finish decisively.
Harry Kane adds a third for England
The England captain went close to another goal shortly after half-time, striking the crossbar with an effort from the edge of the area after Myles Lewis-Skelly had helped begin a flowing attack.
He did not have to wait long for his second. Kane headed Lewis Hall’s delivery into the bottom corner at the far post in the 57th minute to complete England’s scoring.
Kane was replaced by Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the 81st minute and received a standing ovation from the Wembley crowd. He finished the evening with more than 90 international goals, while a hat-trick remained out of reach after his substitution.
Thomas Tuchel’s side have now recorded three wins from their four matches since the lengthy international break, scoring 14 goals. Spain’s 2-1 comeback victory over Croatia leaves them top of the group, but England need only one point from their final two games to secure a quarter-final place.
Alexander-Arnold and Hall also impressed during the match, while Anderson, Lewis-Skelly and Alex Scott have added depth to England’s midfield options. Jude Bellingham was another positive presence as England ended the camp with a convincing victory.
