Harry Kane equalled the record for senior England appearances by scoring twice against the Czech Republic in an international victory at Wembley Stadium.
The 33-year-old England captain drew level with former goalkeeper Peter Shilton on 125 caps on a historic night in London, taking his international tally to 91 goals.
Kane forced an own goal from Czech defender Vladimir Coufal with a cross before netting his double. The performance marked the 18th time the striker has scored two or more goals in a match for the national team.
The victory brought an end to a three-week international break for head coach Thomas Tuchel's side. England also defeated Croatia 7-0 in Rijeka and secured a 2-0 win over the Czech Republic in Prague, alongside a 3-2 defeat against Spain at Wembley, with Kane scoring in every fixture.
At 33 years old, Kane also established a new mark as the oldest player to score a back-to-back brace in competitive fixtures for England.
Bellingham Praise for England Captain
Midfielder Jude Bellingham praised his teammate after the match, describing Kane as the greatest player ever to represent the country.
"We're running out of superlatives," Real Madrid midfielder Bellingham said of Kane. "He is the best England player that has ever worn the shirt and it is an honour to play with him. He is playing at a level which is pretty unmatched when you look across the world."
Bellingham highlighted Kane's work rate across the pitch, noting that his contribution extends well beyond his goalscoring record.
"He is scoring goals for fun," Bellingham said. "He is still dropping in deep and delivering those passes in behind and wide and contributing in so many areas of the pitch and getting back as well with tackles. And he is only getting better."
Kane Sets Sights on Goal Century
Speaking after reaching 125 caps, Kane described the milestone as "beyond my wildest dreams" and indicated that he has no intention of slowing down as he targets 100 international goals.
"I hope not," Kane said when asked if he had reached his ceiling. "I hope there's still more to go. I guess only time dictates that. I still feel like I've got room to improve. I've just come back off my best season ever at 32 years old and right now I feel in an even better place. I'm not going to stop. I'm going to keep pushing and see where it takes me. Maybe in 10 years or so, we'll see where that ceiling is at."
Addressing the prospect of becoming the first England player to reach a century of international goals, the Bayern Munich forward admitted staff members had raised the topic prior to kick-off.
"I got asked this question by a few of the staff before the game - what would mean more between the 125 (caps) and 100 goals," Kane said. "Obviously I'm getting closer to the 100 now. I'm in the nineties. I try not to think about it too much. It's like being a cricketer in the nineties - the more you think about the 100, you don't always get there. I'm just going with the flow right now. I'm coming off the back of my best season ever. I'm just pushing myself and seeing how far I can get."
Trophy Ambitions and Tuchel Reaction
Despite setting individual records, Kane insisted he would gladly trade his personal achievements for major silverware with his country.
"For sure," Kane said immediately. "Without a doubt. I'd swap all that to win something with England."
England manager Thomas Tuchel praised Kane's contribution following the victory. "Brilliant," Tuchel said. "He deserves this stage. He deserves the praise."
Background and International Context
Kane, who plays his club football for German side Bayern Munich after joining from Tottenham Hotspur, is already England's all-time leading goalscorer. His cap total matches the record set by Shilton, who made 125 appearances for England between 1970 and 1990.
Bellingham, 23, has become a key figure for both Real Madrid and England since moving to Spain from Borussia Dortmund. Tuchel was appointed England head coach to lead the team through its international campaign.
The win at Wembley Stadium in London concluded a busy international schedule as England continue their competitive fixtures.
