Kane's Historic Feat in Rijeka Rout
Harry Kane became the first England player ever to score at least 10 goals in three different calendar years, achieving the milestone with his eighth-minute opener in England's 7-0 demolition of Croatia in the UEFA Nations League on Saturday. The Bayern Munich striker, who turns 34 next July, added a second goal in the 45th minute as Thomas Tuchel's side raced into a 4-0 half-time lead at Stadion HNK Rijeka.
Opta data confirms that no other player has ever accomplished this feat for England, underscoring Kane's remarkable consistency at international level. His 2026 tally now stands at 11 goals, following his earlier strike against Czechia on Wednesday and his header against Spain in September. The 33-year-old has now scored in each of his last six matches for club and country.
England's Ruthless Display
Jude Bellingham opened the scoring in the eighth minute before turning provider for Kane's first. Anthony Gordon doubled the advantage in the 21st, and Bukayo Saka made it four on the stroke of half-time. Saka added his second in the 53rd, Morgan Rogers struck in the 68th, and Kane completed the rout in the 87th. The victory leaves England firmly in contention in Nations League A Group C.
Context: From Wembley Heartbreak to Rijeka Redemption
The record comes just six days after a disappointing 3-2 home defeat to Spain at Wembley, where Kane missed a penalty that could have changed the game's complexion. On that occasion, the captain slipped and struck the bar with England leading 2-1, before Spain capitalised to secure victory through Mikel Oyarzabal's 74th-minute winner.
That loss highlighted England's defensive vulnerabilities, with errors from Marc Guehi and Nico O'Reilly leading to Spain's first two goals. However, Kane's response has been emphatic. His goal against Czechia on Wednesday set England on course for a 2-0 win, and his brace against Croatia further reinforced his importance to Tuchel's project.
Kane's Record vs Croatia
Kane's performance against Croatia continued his strong record against the Checkered Ones. In six meetings across all competitions, he has now scored four goals, including a brace in England's 4-2 World Cup group-stage win this summer. His only prior goal contribution against Croatia before 2026 came in November 2018, when he assisted Jesse Lingard's equaliser before scoring the winner in a 2-1 Nations League victory at Wembley.
Perspective: Ballon d'Or Case and England's Tournament Ambitions
Kane's extraordinary output – 73 goals in the 2025-26 season and 11 in nine games this term – has reignited debate about his candidacy for the Ballon d'Or. While the award is now assessed on a seasonal basis, his combined club and country form makes him a compelling contender against the likes of Lamine Yamal, who has also made a strong case with his recent performances for Spain.
At 33, Kane is aware that his window to win a major trophy with England is narrowing. Euro 2028, which England will co-host, represents his most realistic opportunity to end the nation's 60-year wait for silverware. He will be one month shy of his 35th birthday when the tournament begins.
Implications for Tuchel's England
The victory over Croatia demonstrates England's attacking potency but does not entirely mask the defensive concerns exposed by Spain. Tuchel's stated aim of winning the Nations League remains achievable, but the team must find greater solidity at the back if they are to compete with Europe's elite.
For now, however, the focus is on Kane's milestone. His ability to deliver goals consistently – across different years, opponents, and competitions – sets him apart as one of England's greatest ever strikers. Whether it translates into a long-awaited international trophy remains the defining question of his career.
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