Merino's Double Sends Spain to Nations League Quarters as Kane Equals Shilton's Caps Record

Spain booked their place in the Nations League quarter-finals with a 2-1 comeback win over Croatia in Split on Tuesday, October 6. Substitute Mikel Merino scored both goals after coming on at half-time.

Ivan Perisic put Croatia ahead in the 17th minute, heading in the rebound after Unai Simon saved Igor Matanovic's shot. Merino levelled in the 61st minute with a low finish after a pass from Dani Olmo. Perisic was then sent off for a second yellow card for fouling Marc Cucurella. Spain made the extra man count, and Merino struck again in the 88th minute to win it.

Spain have won all four of their Group A3 matches and sit nine points clear of third-placed Croatia, with two games to spare. Their unbeaten run now stands at 42 matches.

England also won on the night, beating Czechia 3-0 at Wembley. Harry Kane made his 125th appearance for England, equalling Peter Shilton's record for the most caps by an England men's player. He scored twice and created the other goal. His cross was turned into his own net by Vladimir Coufal in the 27th minute. Kane finished a Morgan Rogers cutback in the 40th minute and headed in a Lewis Hall corner in the 57th. The two goals took him to 91 international goals.

England are second in the group on nine points, three behind Spain and six clear of Croatia. Kane will pass Shilton's mark with his next appearance.