MILAN : Italy delivered a dominant 3-1 victory over France in the Nations League on Thursday, while Harry Kane marked his record-breaking 126th appearance for England by scoring the winning penalty in a 2-1 victory over Croatia that secured their place in the quarter-finals.
Michael Olise gave France an early lead in Milan, but a double from Francesco Pio Esposito and a goal from Davide Frattesi earned Italy a convincing win.
Kane, who surpassed Peter Shilton’s previous England record of 125 appearances, converted from the penalty spot in the 64th minute at Wembley after Croatia had equalised five minutes earlier.
Italy, France and Belgium will battle for two quarter-final places in their final Group 1 fixtures on Tuesday, with Italy and France level on 10 points at the top of League A, one ahead of Belgium.
After missing out on qualification for the 2026 World Cup, Italy showed they remain capable of competing with Europe’s best under coach Roberto Mancini.
Their disciplined midfield pressing and cohesive play proved too much for France, who were without injured Real Madrid duo Kylian Mbappe and Aurelien Tchouameni.
Olise opened the scoring after an error by Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, but Nicolo Cambiaghi set up Pio Esposito for the equaliser in the 26th minute.
Bradley Barcola struck the post before halftime, but Italy continued to control proceedings after the break.
Cambiaghi again got past Malo Gusto to win a penalty, although Sebastiano Esposito failed to convert in the 60th minute.
Italy restored their lead three minutes later when Frattesi arrived to meet a Federico Dimarco cross before Antonio Vergara won another penalty, which Pio Esposito converted in the 75th minute.
France struggled to mount a sustained response as Italy comfortably defended their advantage to secure an important victory.
Belgium remained in contention after a 2-1 win over Turkey, who suffered their fifth consecutive defeat and were relegated to League B.
KANE MAKES HISTORY
England captain Kane celebrated his milestone appearance by scoring his 92nd international goal, helping Thomas Tuchel’s side overcome Croatia at Wembley.
Morgan Rogers put England ahead in the 24th minute, but Petar Sucic equalised for Croatia in the 59th.
England restored their advantage five minutes later after Jarrell Quansah was fouled inside the penalty area, allowing Kane to convert from the spot and secure qualification for the last eight.
SPAIN MAINTAIN TOP SPOT
World champions Spain strengthened their position at the top of League A Group 3 with a 2-0 away win over Czechia.
Alex Baena opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 39th minute after Lukas Ambros handled the ball inside the area.
Czechia threatened after the break, with Adam Hlozek hitting the woodwork, but their hopes of a comeback suffered a blow when Ladislav Krejci was sent off in the 72nd minute for a last-man foul.
Marc Pubill sealed Spain’s victory with a stoppage-time goal.
Spain remain three points clear of England, with both teams already qualified for the knockout stages ahead of Sunday’s meeting.
In League C, Albania and Belarus recorded 2-0 victories over Finland and San Marino respectively, while Armenia and Cyprus drew 1-1.
Montenegro secured top spot in their group with a 2-1 win over Latvia.
