Harry Kane Equals Peter Shilton’s England Caps Record Against Czech Republic
Harry Kane has matched Peter Shilton’s England appearance record after captaining the side against the Czech Republic in a Nations League match at Wembley. The Bayern Munich forward made his 125th international appearance, drawing level with the former goalkeeper who had held the mark alone since his final cap in 1990.
What changed for England
Kane, 33, is now level with Shilton as England’s most-capped male player and is set to become the outright record holder when he next features for the national team. He already stands alone as England’s leading scorer, with 89 goals.
His England career began in 2015, when he came off the bench against Lithuania in a qualifier and scored with a header 80 seconds after replacing Wayne Rooney. Kane later overtook Rooney’s England scoring total of 53 during a qualifying game in early 2023.
Before the Czech Republic fixture, Kane said Wembley continued to feel special despite his long England career, but stressed that the squad had to concentrate on its work. Reflecting on his debut, he recalled waiting to replace Rooney before scoring in the manner he had imagined, and said he was proud of his repeated opportunities to represent the country.
The striker also pointed to England’s recent near-misses, having helped the team reach successive European Championship finals and a World Cup semi-final. Kane believes the current group is closer than ever to ending its long wait for a major trophy.
Competition context
England’s meeting with the Czech Republic came in the Nations League, with Kane again leading the team as captain at Wembley. His landmark appearance arrived while he remains a major figure for club and country, continuing to score regularly for Bayern Munich as well as for the national side.
In the wider international scoring list, Kane’s 89 goals place him joint seventh among male players. Cristiano Ronaldo remains well ahead on 146 goals for Portugal, but Kane has established himself as England’s leading scorer by a substantial margin.
Shilton sent Kane a personal message ahead of the game, congratulating him on reaching 125 caps. The former England goalkeeper praised Kane’s commitment and said he expected the forward to move beyond the record in November. Shilton also suggested Kane could set a total difficult for future England players to reach, citing his continued form and dedication.
What is scheduled next
Kane’s next England appearance will carry the prospect of a 126th cap and sole possession of the national record. Shilton expects that milestone to arrive in November, provided the England captain is selected and plays.
- England caps: 125
- England goals: 89
- Previous caps record holder: Peter Shilton
- Shilton’s final England appearance: 1990
- Kane’s England debut: 2015 against Lithuania
