England beat Croatia 2-1 as Kane’s penalty seals Nations League win

England beat Croatia 2-1 on November 13 in UEFA Nations League Group A matchday 5. Morgan Rogers broke the deadlock in the 24th minute, Petar Sucic equalised for Croatia in the 59th minute, and Harry Kane converted a penalty in the 64th minute to give England the win.

The penalty came after Kwansa was fouled inside the area. Kane stepped up and finished to restore England's lead, which they held for the remainder of the match.

Tuchel and his players reflect on a hard-fought result

England manager Thomas Tuchel said at his post-match press conference that the evening was a test for Kane, even if Kane would not admit it himself. Tuchel said that receiving so much recognition and so many awards was draining and required a great deal of energy, but that Kane never let it distract him.

Tuchel described the match as tight and difficult, saying England failed to convert the chances they created and that the game stayed close as a result. He added that the result secured England's place in what he called a final against Spain on Sunday.

On the subject of Ben White, who was booed by some England supporters when he came on as a substitute, Tuchel said he had not heard the jeers but hoped the club could open a new chapter for White. Tuchel said White had shown nothing but desire to be part of the squad since Tuchel took charge, and that White deserved to be there.

Rogers and Hall on the night's significance

Morgan Rogers, who scored his third England goal, said the opener helped settle the team. Rogers said he was playing at right wing to fit the manager's plan and that he was comfortable in different positions as long as he could create problems for the opposition.

Rogers also spoke about Kane, saying a player of his quality and leadership deserved every tribute he received. Rogers said Kane's most important quality was his mentality, and that Kane arrived at training camp the same way every day regardless of what had happened before.

Lewis Hall, who started at left back, said the competition for that position in the England squad was intense. Hall pointed to the performances of Jed Spence and Nico O'Riley at the World Cup as evidence of the level of competition, and said he would try to take every opportunity he was given.

Modric pays tribute as Croatia hand Kane a historic gift

Croatia midfielder Luka Modric spoke warmly about Kane after the match, saying Kane's professionalism was extraordinary and that he deserved everything he had achieved. Modric said he was happy for Kane and that the night must have been very moving for him, recalling how special it felt when he himself became his country's record cap holder.

A Croatian Football Association staff member explained that the federation gave Kane the first football ever brought to the Croatian town of Zupanja by the English, which they described as the starting point of football in Croatia. The staff member noted that the only other recipient of such a gift from the Croatian Football Association was Pope Francis.

Dan Burn, who was called into the squad as a late replacement and started the match, said seeing the Ballon d'Or trophy was probably the closest he would ever get to one. Burn said he was delighted to be involved and that he had told the manager to call him if he was needed, not expecting the call to come the very next day.