Captain Harry Kane made history by becoming the first player to score twice on his 100th appearance for England, leading the Three Lions to a memorable 2-0 victory over Finland in the UEFA Nations League at Wembley.
Kane’s brace secured his place among England‘s all-time greats, as he netted his 67th and 68th international goals in a dominant second-half display.
The Bayern Munich striker’s first goal came with an emphatic strike that cannoned in off the underside of the bar, before he followed it up with a well-placed curling effort to cap off a fine performance.
With his two goals, Kane joined an elite group of players—Wayne Rooney and Bobby Charlton—who also found the net on their 100th appearance for the national team.
“I don’t think I was even thinking of 100 caps when I was on loan at Millwall, Norwich, and Leicester,” Kane reflected after the game. “From being a young age, from being doubted to go on and do what I have done, I just think that helps keep you focused and motivated.”
Kane, now on 68 goals for England, stands second only to Rooney (120 caps) and Peter Shilton (125 caps) in terms of total appearances among the modern era’s top international players. Before kickoff, Kane was presented with a golden cap to commemorate his century of appearances, and he fittingly wore golden boots during the match to mark the special occasion.
“The night belongs to him and his golden boots—so fitting for Kane,” said former England defender Matthew Upson on BBC Radio 5 Live. “Two super-sharp finishes. The first one was hit with venom and power, the second was a real centre-forward’s finish. That’s the moment of the game.”
While Kane’s performance was the highlight of the night, his participation in the game was not guaranteed until just days before. BBC commentator Ian Dennis revealed that there had been uncertainty around Kane’s inclusion in the starting lineup for this landmark match.
“When I spoke with the England captain at the team hotel on Friday in Dublin, he told me they were looking to celebrate his 100th appearance in October,” Dennis shared. “At that time, he wasn’t sure he would start against Finland.”
Ultimately, Kane took his place in the starting eleven, and his family traveled from Munich to witness the historic moment. Kane’s wife Kate, along with three of their four children, attended the match, though the emotional occasion proved overwhelming for his three-year-old son Louie, who was in tears before the game.
Kane’s daughters Ivy and Vivienne stood alongside their father as mascots, creating a special family moment in the Wembley tunnel.
Reflecting on his achievement, Kane expressed pride at joining an illustrious group of players who have earned 100 caps for England. “When you look at the list [of players with 100 caps], it is a list of some of our greatest players,” he said. “I’m sure when I’m retired, I’ll look back on this with immense pride.”
Kane’s ambition remains undimmed, as he now sets his sights on an even greater milestone—scoring 100 goals for England. “It is definitely there and definitely possible,” he said, outlining his target.
“I feel like I am in a good place and these are good targets to try to reach. Some people may see them as unrealistic, but I would rather go for something unrealistic and not quite make it rather than be comfortable just saying I will be happy with 70 or 80 goals.”
With two goals on his 100th appearance, Harry Kane has not only cemented his place in England’s footballing history but also set his sights on reaching even greater heights in the years to come.