Harry Kane set to break England men's all-time appearance record

Harry Kane is set to write his name into English football history by making his 126th appearance for his country when England face Croatia in the Nations League at Wembley. This milestone match will see the 33-year-old surpass legendary goalkeeper Peter Shilton, who held the previous men's record of 125 caps between 1970 and 1990.

Growing up in Chingford, London, Kane's journey from a young boy with football dreams to national team captain and 2026 Ballon d'Or winner is a true fairytale. From writing about his ambition to become a footballer in a school project at age five to playing with his father and brother in Ridgeway Park using trees as goalposts, his passion for the game started early. He also played for local Sunday league team Ridgeway Rovers, following in the footsteps of his childhood idol, David Beckham.

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event

Over the past 11 years since his senior debut as a substitute in a 4-0 Euro 2016 qualifying win over Lithuania, Kane has played under five different England managers: Roy Hodgson, Gareth Southgate, Lee Carsley, Sam Allardyce, and current boss Thomas Tuchel. It was Southgate who first handed him the captaincy in 2017, leading to Kane wearing the armband 97 times when starting.

During his 125 appearances so far, the Three Lions have secured 83 wins, 22 draws, and 20 losses. Kane's 91 international goals consist of 58 with his right foot, 15 with his left, 18 headers, and 26 from the penalty spot. Despite individual accolades and back-to-back Bundesliga titles with Bayern Munich, the striker remains eager to inspire his country to a major international trophy.