Night belongs to him and his golden boots – A numerical tribute to Kane’s 100 caps
Harry Kane Scores Twice on 100th England Cap – Golden Boots Celebration
Captain Harry Kane makes history with two goals on his 100th appearance for England, leading the Three Lions to victory over Finland. Kane, honored with a golden cap and boots, joins an elite list of players with 100 caps, setting his sights on reaching 100 international goals.
Captain Harry Kane made history as the first player to score two goals on his 100th appearance for England, leading the Three Lions to a victory over Finland in the Nations League at Wembley.
Kane netted his 67th and 68th international goals during the second half, with a powerful strike off the underside of the bar and a precise curling finish. Before the match, Kane was honored with a golden cap to commemorate the milestone and sported golden boots for the occasion.
“The night truly belonged to him and his golden boots,” remarked former England defender Matthew Upson on BBC Radio 5 Live. “While the game itself might not be memorable beyond this achievement, Kane’s two superb finishes were the highlights. The first was a fierce, powerful shot, and the second showcased his classic centre-forward instincts. Despite the rest of the game, it was Kane’s night.”
Kane, who only a few days prior was uncertain about his participation, joined a select group of players reaching 100 caps for England. He is the first since Wayne Rooney, who reached this milestone in November 2014. Rooney, with 120 caps, is second only to former goalkeeper Peter Shilton, who holds the record with 125 appearances.
Other notable players who have surpassed the 100-cap mark include David Beckham (115), Steven Gerrard (114), Bobby Moore (108), Ashley Cole (107), Bobby Charlton (106), Frank Lampard (106), and Billy Wright (105).
Reflecting on his achievement, Kane expressed pride and a focus on future goals. “Looking at the list of players with 100 caps, it’s a testament to some of our greatest footballers. I’m sure I’ll look back on this with immense pride once I retire,” he said.
Kane is now setting his sights on reaching 100 goals for England. “I’ve averaged around 15-17 caps per year, and the goals have come in increments from 30 to 50 and then to 60. It’s definitely achievable, and I’d rather aim high and fall short than set a lower target and be content with that.”
A last-minute change to celebrate Kane’s 100th appearance was noted. Initially, it was planned for October, but uncertainty about his starting position in the Finland game led to a hurried celebration. Kane’s family, who were still in Munich on Monday, traveled on the day of the match. However, their youngest child, Louie, only three, was too overwhelmed to attend, leaving daughters Ivy and Vivienne to act as mascots alongside their father.
Kane becomes just the third player to score on his 100th England appearance, following Wayne Rooney (against Slovenia in 2014) and Bobby Charlton (against Northern Ireland in 1970).
Reflecting on his journey, Kane said, “When I was on loan at Millwall, Norwich, and Leicester, I never imagined reaching 100 caps. From facing doubt as a young player to achieving what I have now, it’s a testament to staying focused and motivated. Criticism comes with the territory, but using it as motivation has always driven me. I’ll be ready to continue striving in October.”
