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Published 11 November 2026 4 min read
Men's Senior

Kane eyes England appearance record

Written by:

Sam Pinkham

Three Lions captain speaks ahead of England's clash with Croatia in the UEFA Nations League

England captain Harry Kane will make history on Thursday when he takes to the Wembley pitch to make his 126th appearance for the Three Lions.

By doing so, he will surpass the current joint-record holder, Peter Shilton, to become England men’s record appearance maker - a milestone he describes as one of the "biggest of his career." 

“Any great player wants to be able to perform year on year,” said the 2026 Ballon d’Or winner. 

“To reach the number of caps that I have is a testament to all the stuff behind the scenes; all the dedication, all the time that maybe people don't see that keeps me fit and healthy.

“For sure, I think that will be one of the biggest milestones in my career.”

Typical of the England captain’s attitude and determination, another record is in Kane’s sights for the near future.

“I don't like to put limits on anything,” Kane adds. “We spoke in the last camp about the 100 goals for England. I think that's another incredible milestone to try and reach as soon as possible.

“I'm feeling really, really good. So hopefully there’s many more years to see what else I can achieve.”

It has been eleven years since Kane made his England debut as a 21 year old, scoring his first senior goal after just 79 seconds against Lithuania at Wembley.
Kane scored his first senior England goal on his debut against Lithuania in March 2015
Kane scored his first senior England goal on his debut against Lithuania in March 2015
“Playing at Wembley, scoring on my debut, coming on for Wayne Rooney for sure will always stick in my mind,” he reflects.

“I've been lucky enough to have some great moments. I think the DR Congo game [at the 2026 FIFA World Cup] for me was just an incredible experience. 

“To be able to help the team get through a knockout game like that, to score the two goals, the second goal being one of my best finishes, you get a feeling of adrenaline after.

“The major tournament moments, especially knockout football when you come through those - the Mexico game being another one. They're the games that really stick in the memory.”
The England captain picks out the win over DR Congo at the 2026 World Cup as an "incredible experience"
The England captain picks out the win over DR Congo at the 2026 World Cup as an "incredible experience"

With an abundance of young talent making its way into Thomas Tuchel’s senior squad, Kane is making the most of his captaincy role and continues to lead by example in an England shirt.

“Their energy and the fact that they've still got room to improve, I think that motivates me to lead them in the right way,” adds Kane. 

“I think it's my role as captain now to give them as much information, and as much experience as possible. 

“But also, to set the standards. I feel like when you are the experienced one, when you are a little bit older and you're the one still pushing, training with intensity, then it kind of leaves no room for any of the other players not to do the same. 

“Leading by example is something that I've always done and it’s probably my best trait, I believe. I take pride in that.”

A special pre-match presentation is planned to honour Kane’s historic milestone at Wembley on Thursday, with current joint-record holder Peter Shilton to lead that activity. 

The striker’s achievement in being crowned the world’s best player by winning the prestigious Ballon d’Or will also be acknowledged on the night.

TICKETS: ENGLAND V CROATIA

England's Harry Kane with the Ballon d'Or at his home in Munich

Kane's cap collection

The Three Lions captain takes us through his cap and trophy collection at his home in Germany ahead of record-breaking appearance


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