London:
Harry Kane celebrated his 100th England cap in memorable style, as the striker’s stunning double contributed to a 2-0 win over Finland in the UEFA Nations League on Tuesday.
England captain Kane scored two eye-catching second-half goals at Wembley to mark the latest milestone in his remarkable career.
The 31-year-old is the 10th man to reach a century for England, joining the likes of David Beckham and Bobby Moore in the exclusive club.
Goalkeeper Peter Shilton holds the England national team record with 125 appearances, while Wayne Rooney is England’s most capped player with 120, and it would not be a surprise if Kane surpasses both.
He is the third English player to score in his 100th match, after Rooney against Slovenia in 2014 and Bobby Charlton against Northern Ireland in 1970.
Kane became England’s all-time top scorer in March 2023, and the Bayern Munich striker now has 68 goals for his country.
Inspired by the longevity of Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo, who recently scored his 901st career goal, and NFL legend Tom Brady, Kane shows no signs of slowing down in his record-setting career.
It was a perfect night for the former Tottenham star, who led England onto the pitch alongside his two children before kick-off, receiving a commemorative gold cap from fellow Three Lions captains Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole.
Interim England coach Lee Carsley said: “His finishing is very good, even in training. It is not surprising that he scores goals because his habits are very good.”
“The way he trains and behaves is a great example for the other players.”
While Kane took the spotlight, it was also another encouraging game for Carsley, who oversaw a 2-0 win over Ireland in his first match in charge on Saturday.
Carsley is the first England manager to win his first two competitive caps since Fabio Capello in 2008.
The 50-year-old, who replaced Southgate after he resigned following the Euro 2024 final loss to Spain, used an attacking game plan in stark contrast to the conservative tactics of his predecessor.