Harry Kane and Lamine Yamal had a spectacular day in the UEFA Nations League. While the English forward led the resounding 7-0 rout of Croatia, the young Barcelona star once again scored a spectacular goal to lead Spain to a 3-1 victory over the Czech Republic.
Both players, considered among the contenders for the Ballon d’Or—to be awarded on October 26—once again demonstrated why they are among the most prominent names in international soccer.
For Spain, the victory marked their third consecutive win in the competition and extended their unbeaten streak to 40 matches. Rodri and Mikel Merino also found the back of the net, while Lamine Yamal once again stole the spotlight with a spectacular finish from outside the box.
Harry Kane leads England’s rout of Croatia
England put on a true offensive display during their visit to Croatia. The team coached by Thomas Tuchel won 7-0, with a brace from Harry Kane and another standout performance by Bukayo Saka, who also scored twice.
Kane opened the scoring in the eighth minute after controlling a pass from Jude Bellingham and curling the ball into the left corner of the net. The forward struck again in the second half, capitalizing on a cross from Elliot Anderson to score his second goal of the night.
With this brace, the forward extended his record as England’s all-time leading scorer to 89 international goals, a total that keeps him well ahead of Wayne Rooney, who is second on the list with 53. Bellingham also contributed a goal, while Anthony Gordon scored and assisted on another goal. Saka completed his brace, and substitute Morgan Rogers capped off the rout in Rijeka.
“We played very fluidly from the start. We didn’t stop for a second,” Tuchel noted after the match, pleased with his team’s intensity and effectiveness.
Lamine Yamal shines again for Spain
While England celebrated its resounding victory, Spain also had reason to celebrate. La Roja defeated the Czech Republic 3-1 with another stunning goal from Lamine Yamal, who continues to establish himself as one of the national team’s standout players.
The Barcelona forward once again made the difference with a curling shot from outside the box, a finish that left the opposing goalkeeper with no chance.
Rodri and Mikel Merino also scored for the Spanish team, which notched its third consecutive victory and reached nine points to remain atop its group, three points ahead of England.
With his performance, Yamal has once again fueled the conversation surrounding the Ballon d’Or, in a race where Harry Kane is also vying for the prestigious award.
A tough patch for Croatia
England’s rout worsened Croatia’s situation, as the team had already lost 4-1 to Spain on Tuesday. The squad led by Slaven Bilić has conceded 12 goals in three matches, a statistic that reflects the defensive struggles it has faced in the competition.
In other matches from today, Switzerland defeated Slovenia 2-1, and Scotland secured its first victory in League B with a 2-0 win over North Macedonia.
Finland defeated Albania 2-1 with a brace from Leo Walta, while Iceland beat Bulgaria 3-0, with two goals from Orri Óskarsson. Belarus also stood out with a 4-0 victory over San Marino, and Estonia edged out Luxembourg.
The matchday featured some standout individual performances and once again put Harry Kane and Lamine Yamal at the center of soccer conversation, just as the Ballon d’Or ceremony approaches.
