England boss Gareth Southgate hailed Harry Kane as the best finisher in the world after the Tottenham striker’s late goal secured a Nations League victory over Croatia.
England came from behind to win 2-1 in a dramatic game at Wembley.
Southgate praised the rest of his players too after the World Cup semi-finalists ended a memorable year on a high note.
“I am hugely proud of all the players and all of the staff because we’ve grown together, we’ve improved every step,” Southgate said.
“I think today was another big occasion, big experience. Plenty of pressure on the game, expectation, but they coped with it really well.
“I thought we played so well in the first half and had good chances, should have been ahead in the game. Then had to show another side, the resilience and the character to stay in it.
“We had a five, 10-minute period after Croatia scored where there was a couple of counter-attacks, and then we may be a new England but we score from a long throw and a wide free-kick, so maybe nothing changes!
“But the most pleasing thing of all for me is the connection with the fans because I’ve not heard Wembley like that for years.
“We’ve given our supporters some really memorable days and nights this year and we want to continue that and build on it because the energy that came back to the team in those difficult moments helped us to get over the line today.”