England Reach Nations League Quarter-Finals as Italy Beat Zinedine Zidane’s France

England secured their place in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Croatia at Wembley, while Italy produced an impressive comeback to defeat France 3-1 in Milan and hand Zinedine Zidane his first defeat as national team manager. Harry Kane marked his record-breaking 126th England appearance by scoring the decisive penalty, while Francesco Pio Esposito struck twice for Italy in a result that leaves Group A1 heading towards a dramatic conclusion.

Kane Makes History as England Overcome Croatia

England booked their place in the Nations League quarter-finals after defeating Croatia 2-1 at Wembley on Thursday, 12 November, in a match that carried additional significance for captain Harry Kane.

The Bayern Munich striker became England's outright record appearance holder, making his 126th appearance for the national team and moving beyond Peter Shilton's previous record of 125 caps.

Kane celebrated the milestone by scoring the winning goal from the penalty spot, taking his international tally to 92 goals and helping Thomas Tuchel's side secure qualification for the last eight.

England had entered the contest knowing that victory would guarantee their progression, and they delivered when it mattered, although Croatia made them work hard for the result.

Morgan Rogers Gives England the First-Half Advantage

England started with the intention of controlling proceedings and eventually found the breakthrough through Morgan Rogers.

The Aston Villa midfielder opened the scoring in the first half after a move involving Kane and Jude Bellingham, finishing from close range to put the hosts ahead.

Croatia, however, remained competitive and capitalised on an important defensive mistake shortly after the interval.

Jarell Quansah attempted to head the ball back towards goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, but his intervention lacked the necessary precision. Petar Sučić took advantage, bringing Croatia level around the hour mark and briefly threatening England's qualification hopes.

The equaliser forced England to respond, and the home side eventually found another route to goal.

Kane’s Penalty Settles a Tense Wembley Contest

England restored their advantage after Quansah was pulled back by Ivan Smolčić during a corner-kick situation.

Following a VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty, giving Kane the opportunity to decide the contest.

The England captain converted confidently, sending Wembley into celebration and completing a memorable personal occasion with a decisive contribution.

Croatia attempted to find another equaliser during the closing stages. Nikola Vlašić narrowly missed the target, while Ante Budimir was denied by an important block from Quansah.

England held on to claim all three points, moving to 12 points from five Group A3 matches and guaranteeing their place in next March's quarter-finals.

Italy Produce Impressive Comeback to Defeat France

While England celebrated qualification, Italy delivered one of the night's biggest results by defeating France 3-1 at San Siro.

France initially looked capable of extending their unbeaten start under Zidane when Michael Olise capitalised on a mistake by Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to open the scoring after 10 minutes.

Italy responded with greater purpose and found an equaliser through Francesco Pio Esposito, who converted Nicolò Cambiaghi's delivery to bring the hosts back into the contest.

France had opportunities to regain the advantage, with Bradley Barcola and Rayan Cherki both striking the woodwork. However, their failure to convert those chances would prove costly.

Italy also missed a penalty through Sebastiano Esposito, who sent his effort wide, but the hosts recovered quickly and continued to press for a breakthrough.

Pio Esposito and Frattesi Punish France

Italy took the lead through Davide Frattesi, who finished from Federico Dimarco's cut-back shortly after the hour mark.

The goal shifted the momentum firmly towards the hosts, who began to look increasingly dangerous against a France side struggling to regain control.

Italy then secured the victory when substitute Antonio Vergara was fouled by Dayot Upamecano inside the penalty area.

This time, Francesco Pio Esposito stepped forward and converted from the spot, completing his brace and giving Italy a two-goal advantage.

The result handed Zidane his first defeat since taking charge of France and represented a significant statement from Roberto Mancini's side.

Italy moved level with France on 10 points at the top of Group A1, but went above them on the head-to-head record. Belgium remained close behind on nine points after beating Türkiye 2-1.

Final Group Matches Set Up Dramatic Nations League Finish

Although England have secured their quarter-final qualification, their position at the top of Group A3 remains undecided.

Spain strengthened their position with a 2-0 victory over Czechia in Prague. Álex Baena scored from the penalty spot before Marc Pubill added a late second goal, extending Spain's winning run in the competition to five matches.

Spain now have 15 points, three ahead of England, and the two sides will meet in Madrid on Sunday, 15 November, in a contest that will determine the group winners.

Elsewhere, Belgium's 2-1 comeback victory over Türkiye kept their qualification hopes alive. Arda Güler gave Türkiye the lead with an impressive free-kick, but Kevin De Bruyne and Charles De Ketelaere scored for Belgium.

The final round of Group A1 fixtures will see Belgium host Italy, while France welcome Türkiye. With Italy and France level on 10 points and Belgium only one point behind, the battle for the two quarter-final places remains wide open.

For England, the immediate objective has been achieved. Tuchel's team are through to the last eight, Kane has added another historic milestone to his international career, and Sunday's meeting with Spain offers an opportunity to finish the group stage on an even stronger note.