One hundred and three days after uncharacteristically smashing his penalty high over the crossbar in England's agonizing World Cup quarterfinal exit against France, Harry Kane finally found salvation. 

The Three Lions captain helped England make a flying start to their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign by firing home a spot-kick in their 2-1 win over defending champions Italy. For Kane, who has admitted he will always be haunted by his penalty miss in Qatar, it has felt like a long wait for this moment.  

Coming under huge pressure ahead of the showdown, the 29-year-old laid old demons to rest with his 54th goal on his 81st international appearance, becoming England's all-time record goalscorer.

"It had to be a penalty, and once it hit the back of the net, huge emotion," beamed Kane after overtaking previous record holder Wayne Rooney. "It was a really special night for me, and a really special night for the team – the first time England have won in Italy for a long time so to be a part of that is amazing.  

"I am really proud. Thank you to everyone that has made this dream become a reality. It had to be a penalty. I had a feeling it would be. But I've prepared well for it. Thankfully I put it away." 

When asked if the bitter memories against France went through his mind before he took his penalty, Kane said, "Any penalty is nerve-racking... I was really disappointed with how the World Cup ended. It feels like forever since I last put on an England shirt. I was itching to get out there. It was a great feeling to see that hit the back of the net."

England manager Gareth Southgate also breathed a great sigh of relief after watching his skipper's outstanding performance. 

"To break the record in the manner he did given the recent history was a real indication of his strength of character," he observed during the post-match press conference. "I couldn't be happier for him and his family. They're lovely people. The players gave him a brilliant reception afterwards and I think that was both in response to the record and what he's had to recover from." 

"Everybody recognized this was a very special moment," Southgate added. "He's a brilliant professional and to do it as quickly as he has is an incredible achievement. A historic moment and he deserves every bit of praise he's getting."

According to BBC stats, only six Englishmen have reached the 40-goal mark in international football, and what marks Kane out among the elites is the speed at which he has scored his goals, accruing them at a rate of one every 1.5 games. The deposed Rooney was much slower than Kane, amassing his 54 goals at a strike every 2.26 matches. 

"I knew it wouldn't take long but that was quick," said Rooney on Twitter. "Great man, unbelievable goalscorer and an England legend. Congrats Harry." 

While Kane was busy writing his name into the history books, Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo did not sit idle. The 38-year-old celebrated his world-record 197th men's international appearance by scoring twice against minnows Liechtenstein in his team's Euro qualifying opener.

It represented a turnaround for the veteran striker, who was dropped from the Portuguese starting lineup during the Qatar World Cup before moving to Saudi Arabia for Al Nassr. Ronaldo justified his return to the first-choice XI in new coach Roberto Martinez's first game in charge by netted a 51st-minute penalty and a brilliant free-kick. 

"Records are my motivation," said Ronaldo, whose 120th goal for his country is a new record in men's international football. "I want to become the most capped player in history. That would make me proud. But it doesn't stop there, I still want to be called up very often." 

The insatiable hunger for more glory was echoed by Martinez, who suggested Ronaldo's age is not a problem.

"To be in the national team, you have to be committed," observed the Spanish tactician. "It's a new cycle. It is very important that a player shows commitment and that he can use his experience.  

"Cristiano has that: a lot of experience and a lot of commitment to the national team."