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England v Croatia - UEFA Nations League 2026/27 Group A3 MD5Getty Images

Luka Modric pays glowing tribute to 'humble' record-breaker Harry Kane as England captain surpasses Peter Shilton

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Historic Wembley night for Kane

Kane secured his 126th cap during a 2-1 triumph against Croatia at Wembley on Thursday. The 33-year-old marked the momentous occasion by converting the match-winning penalty to seal the victory for the hosts.

In doing so, the forward eclipsed Shilton's tally of 125 appearances, a benchmark that had stood for 36 years.

To commemorate the achievement, the legendary goalkeeper personally presented Kane with a gold crest. The Croatian national team also acknowledged the milestone, handing the forward a special gift to mark the occasion.

Modric returns the praise

The England skipper praised his former Tottenham colleague Modric as an "inspiration", and the Croatian playmaker returned the sentiment following the final whistle.

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Speaking to Sky Sports, Modric said: "Really impressive and I'm happy for him. He deserved it, he's always very humble guy and always working hard and he deserved that.

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"Everything that is happening to him and like I said, really happy for him and it must be very emotional for him too. Because I remember when I got most capped player for your country, it's something special. And [to have won] the Ballon d'Or and everything, it must be very emotional for him."

The ultimate role model

Croatian boss Slaven Bilic also lauded the striker's elite mindset, contrasting his professionalism with the attitude of younger talents in the modern era.

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"He's unbelievable, we have this kind of player in a different position and everything but very similar with the mentality which nowadays as very hard to find those kind of things," Bilic told ITV. "You know those new modern players, they are like flashy and everything. Harry and Luka together are the best example for every kid that is starting or dreaming about becoming a professional footballer.

"It's great for Harry, of course, it's great for football because he's an absolute role model like I said."

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Targeting the double century

With Shilton's long-standing record now firmly in the rear-view mirror, attention naturally turns to how far Kane can stretch his new milestone as he continues to lead the national side.

When questioned on whether the 33-year-old could realistically reach 200 appearances for the Three Lions, Bilic offered a glowing endorsement of the forward's exceptional longevity, insisting: "He's aging like wine."

News editor

Zaki's love for football was rooted in Chelsea, specifically when he was captivated by Gianfranco Zola - not only for his magic on the field but also because the legend's name sounded so pleasant to his ears. A few years later, the 2002 World Cup introduced him to Oliver Kahn, the goalkeeper who became Zaki's second love in football, even though Germany went home empty-handed at that time.

The most memorable moment for Zaki happened much closer to home: standing in the south stands of Maguwoharjo, witnessing PSS Sleman lift the 2013 First Division trophy. The euphoria of victory turned bitter as dualism prevented Si Elang Jawa from being promoted.

Zaki's areas of expertise at GOAL include:

  • Analysis of European football tactics, including the Premier League and Champions League
  • Coverage of player transfer news & club financial regulation dynamics
  • International football editorials: player biographies, legend stories, and hidden young talents
  • Player rating & performance assessment with both analytical and narrative approaches

Zaki's All-Time XI (4-2-3-1)

Oliver Kahn; Cafu, John Terry, Franz Beckenbauer, Paolo Maldini; Xavi Hernandez, Claude Makelele; Lionel Messi, Eric Cantona, Eden Hazard; Marco van Basten

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