Harry Kane steals the stage in England's victory with his 100th cap, golden boots, and goal.

In the Nations League, England defeated Finland 2-0 thanks to two goals from Harry Kane, who also scored on the night that Wembley honoured Sven-Goran Eriksson. 

With almost fifteen minutes remaining, the England captain and record goalscorer celebrated with a thunderbolt of a goal that went in off the underside of the bar just before the hour mark. He then finished with a fine second goal to mark his 68th goal for his nation.

Despite criticism of the 31-year-old's performances at Euro 2024, it was a suitable manner for Kane to honour the anniversary and emphasise the effect he has had and can still have for England. After the event, Kane remarked, "It was the perfect night."

Lukas Hradecky, the custodian for Finland, had kept Kane at bay with a series of excellent saves prior to the breakthrough. Despite having a header disallowed for a slight offside in the first half, England's star player remained unfazed on the night he received a special golden cap in honour of his historic debut. For the men's team of England, he is just the tenth player to reach that mark.

Significant goals for Lee Carsley as well; during his interim leadership, England has already won two of its last two games, trailing only Greece in Group B2 of the Nations League. Angel Gomes played admirably in his maiden senior start, but Finland, who were tough in defence and a dangerous counterattacker in the first half, forced England to work hard for their victory.

Eriksson was in charge when these teams last met, and he passed away this month. In 2001, England defeated their World Cup qualifying opponent thanks to a powerful goal from David Beckham, the captain of the Three Lions.

The Finns, who were defeated 3-0 by Greece in their Group B2 opener, caused Carsley's team a lot of problems. Arttu Hoskonen, the centre back, twice slid in during the first half to deny Kane tap-ins after his header was ruled out, and Hradecky recovered to keep out Bukayo Saka's deflected shot. Trent Alexander-Arnold also fizzed two attempts wide just before the half.

England were concerningly transparent at times. Topi Keskinen of Aberdeen was quick on the counter but wasteful in the last third, missing the mark on two quick charges up the pitch that exposed England's defence due to a depleted midfield. And that was all after the visitors produced a clever throw-in routine, forcing Rico Lewis to block Teemu Pukki's shot from within the box.

However, England were more in control in the second half, and the opener allayed any fears of an upset after Hradecky stopped a Kane free-kick and overhead. Alexander-Arnold once again made an impression at right-back, while Eberechi Eze was energetic and Rico Lewis was at ease throughout. Noni Madueke, the substitute, provided the assist for the captain's second goal.

However, the memories of another successful run as Carsley's temporary manager—whose tryout for the permanent position has gone well thus far—will be Kane's double and the standing ovation for Eriksson.

Kane: It was the ideal evening.

Harry Kane, captain of England:

"That evening was great. I wanted to make the occasion as special as possible for my 100th cap. It was nearly ideal to score both goals and contribute to the team's victory. Among my best goals for England, the first one I scored tonight is right up there. Seeing it emerge from the bar's bottom was pleasant. Both of those goals will undoubtedly rank among my favourites on the evening of my 100th cap.

"I had enough shots to get the hat-trick!" he said when asked if he wanted to continue trying to score a hat-trick. There were no bad feelings because Lee mentioned that there were many games coming up."

Regarding disobeying his detractors and utilising them as inspiration: "I was doubted to continue and accomplish what I've done from a young age, and that has helped me maintain focus." As a player, you will constantly face criticism. However, when things don't go your way, you have an internal drive to keep working hard and performing at a high level. I want to continue pushing the envelope, and tonight I did just that. I'll be ready to go again in October."

Carsley: Things are going in the right way.

Lee Carsley, the acting head coach of England:

"Although the outcomes were significant, the performances were far more so. It should be thrilling to see the team play on the side of the pitch. Although I believe we could have scored more, it's wonderful to score four goals in two games and we seem to be headed in the right path."

Will this uncomfortable feeling pass?"To be honest, I still understand that with the U21s! I feel under pressure to provide the players opportunities in productive areas since all I want is for them to succeed. We should have accomplished that throughout the previous two games.

"Competition is always necessary. We need that everywhere on the pitch. As I was thinking about tonight's match, I also started to consider the next squad, how it may be assembled, and which players might be peaking. There is a lot of competition on this group, so I predict some movement. It's critical that we're in a solid position since we have two camps before the World Cup qualifying round begins."