The Three Lions captain became England’s most-capped men’s player when he led his country out against Croatia at Wembley Stadium on Thursday evening.

Kane shook hands with William as the prince presented him with a framed England shirt, with the footballer’s name printed above the number 126.

The pair then posed for photos with former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton, who had been the country’s most-capped men’s player for nearly four decades, until he was dethroned by Kane on Thursday.

The Uefa Nations League match saw the 33-year-old move one cap clear of Shilton, who had held the record since 1989.

The Football Association had hinted at a “special pre-match presentation” planned to mark Kane’s achievements, but William’s appearance had been kept under wraps.

Last month, Donwing Street suggested the Bayern Munich player could be in the running for a knighthood after the “extraordinary achievement” of winning the Ballon d’Or.

Kane became the first English winner in 25 years at a ceremony held at the London Palladium on October 26.

The award crowns the striker as the best individual player in global men’s football.

A spokeswoman said Andy Burnham extended his congratulations to Kane, adding: “The PM knows the whole nation will be incredibly proud of him.”

Asked whether the Prime Minister would like to see Kane knighted, she said: “I think everyone would agree, Harry Kane has given an enormous amount to English football, and this is a very special moment for him and the country, but, as ever, I’m not going to pre-empt the honours process.”