Harry Kane etched his name into England’s football history after becoming the nation’s all-time leading World Cup scorer during the Three Lions’ 2-0 victory over Panama.
The England captain surpassed Gary Lineker’s long-standing record by scoring his 11th World Cup goal, moving ahead of the former striker’s tally of 10 and strengthening his status as one of England’s greatest forwards.
Kane reached the landmark in the second half when he rose above the Panama defence to head home Jude Bellingham’s cross, doubling England’s lead and helping Thomas Tuchel’s side secure top spot in Group L.
“It is a proud one for sure,” Kane told BBC Sport after the match.
“I spoke before the tournament about the World Cup being the biggest competition we play as professional footballers, so to get to 11 goals is a proud feeling.
“I never take these moments for granted. Another good milestone to hit, and I hope it is not the last one in this tournament.”
The 32-year-old has now scored at three different World Cups, becoming only the second England men’s player to achieve that feat after former captain David Beckham. Kane found the net six times during the 2018 World Cup in Russia to win the Golden Boot, added two goals in Qatar four years later, and has already scored three times in North America.
His latest achievement also comes after Gary Lineker recently described Kane as “the greatest English striker we’ve ever had.”
Kane’s consistency on the biggest stage has been remarkable. Since making his World Cup debut in 2018, he has become England’s most reliable source of goals, delivering in crucial moments and helping the national team reach the knockout stages in three consecutive tournaments.
With England safely through to the round of 32 and Kane currently among the leading scorers at the tournament, attention is now turning to how much further he can climb among football’s greatest World Cup marksmen.
Already England’s all-time leading scorer and now their most prolific player in World Cup history, Kane continues to rewrite the record books.
And with several knockout matches still ahead, England’s captain may not be finished making history just yet.
