Jonathan Wald

Harry Kane: a salute from Wembley. From his first cap to this record-equalling 125th, Kane has given everything. From his first England goal, within 78 seconds of his debut 11 years ago, to this record-stretching 90th and 91st, Kane has kept the England fans buzzing and the statisticians busy. To the delight of the 75,000+ England fans, this 3-0 win that secured qualification to the quarter-finals of the Nations League showcased Kane’s goalscoring verve: the clinical shot and then rising high for a header. Kane was subbed early, ensuring a standing ovation. He was quick to stride back on the field after the final whistle, going straight to the officials to shake hands, then saluted his team-mates and the vanquished Czechs before heading round applauding the fans. He never forgets the sacrifices they make. He never takes their support for granted. And that’s one of the many reasons Kane’s revered. What a journey he’s been on since 2015 – and more drama and landmarks to come. Kane, 33, will surely become a centurion in 2027. He will surely lead England into Euro 2028. Kane’s always positive, always forward-looking on and off the field. He’s endured some nadirs on this journey to 125. Nice 2016 remains a scar on the memory, and an affront to Kane’s talent when instructed to take corners. But so many highs: five group-stage goals at 2018 World Cup; quarterbacking and two assists in the epic win over Spain in Seville in 2018; and four knockout-stage goals at Euro 2020. Wembley’s a second home to Kane. He was raised further east around the North Circular, developing his game at the Peter May Sports Centre in Walthamstow. His hunger for self-improvement was seen early, an undimmed quality that a packed Wembley celebrated tonight. It speaks volumes for Kane’s character as a man that he has never forgotten his grass-roots. He regularly contributes to causes helping protect and preserve London playing fields. He’s not changed. He’s still a humble, principled man, a strong family man. At a time when the sport is under threat, and people fear for the future of the Premier League this season and beyond, England’s captain offers a timely reminder of the goodness in the game. It’s why Wembley saluted him long and loud tonight. They acclaimed his work-rate, his commitment to the cause. When some pull out of squads, Kane always reports. Workload? He makes light of that. He played 83 minutes against Spain at Wembley; 71 against Czechia in Prague; 70 against Croatia in Rijeka; and now 81 against Czechia here at HQ. He scored, of course he did, it’s what Kane does. He scored twice. The first from Morgan Rogers’ expert cross, the second from Lewis Hall’s inswinging corner. He also contributes so much out of possession, setting the tone for the team’s tempo. He’s more than goals, dropping back early on here, almost to the goal-line to stop a Czech attack. He delivered a quick free-kick through to Rogers. He held the ball up, laying it off to Rogers and Jude Bellingham. He pressed Martin Vitik. He forced the first goal, putting in such a tricky cross that Vladimir Coufal panicked and put through his own net. Wembley had so many reasons to celebrate Kane, the role model and model striker. His dedication has been total even when his journey has been a rollercoaster at times. His 53rd goal, breaking Wayne Rooney’s record, came in that heartbreaking defeat to France at the 2022 World Cup. And that rare missed spot-kick. But Kane never shirks responsibility. In the next international, in the Naples bear-pit, Kane nailed his pressure penalty which ultimately defeated Italy. He shared the Golden Boot at Euro 2024. He’s never stopped adding to his goal collection, six more at the 2026 World Cup. And two more tonight. And more to come for Harry Kane MBE. #ENG #ENGCZE