Harry Kane scored twice to equal Gary Lineker's record of 10 World Cup goals and lead England to a 4-2 victory over Croatia in Dallas – but only after a furious half-time intervention from manager Thomas Tuchel.
Kane, 32, gave England the lead with a retaken penalty early in the first half and restored his side's advantage with a powerful header three minutes before the break. But Croatia equalised just before half-time, prompting Tuchel to deliver a 'rocket' to his players. "The captain admitted that the team had been given a rocket by manager Thomas Tuchel at half time," reported The Mirror.
“Kane scores twice to equal Lineker's World Cup record as England beat Croatia 4-2 after half-time rocket from Tuchel.”
The dressing-down worked. Jude Bellingham scored the vital third goal shortly after the restart, and England sealed the win to open their World Cup campaign in Group L.
Lineker, speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, said: "Welcome to the double-figures club. It's great. I mean, it may have taken him a World Cup more. In all seriousness, Harry Kane is, I think, the greatest English striker we've ever had. I genuinely think that now." Alan Shearer, who scored 30 goals for England, added: "Harry Kane has seen Messi, Mbappe and Haaland all come on straight away and get the goals. It's only a matter of time before he breaks your record."
Kane now has 81 goals in 115 international appearances. Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, left out of Tuchel's squad, called Kane "one of the best players in the world".
Off the pitch, the victory was sealed with a kiss. Kane received a kiss from his wife Katie, while Bellingham was greeted by his girlfriend Ashlyn Castro, and his parents Denise and Mark. Jordan Pickford's wife Megan attended despite losing her luggage en route, posting: "No suitcase mishap was going to stop me supporting my husband. Featuring the top I travelled in & borrowed jeans."
Despite Kane's brilliance, the New Statesman argues he remains a "cultural footnote" beyond football, lacking an iconic moment to match his talent. The magazine notes that while he is England's all-time top scorer, "there has not really been a Harry Kane goal that penetrates outside the football world". His club career has lacked trophies, but America 2026 offers his chance at immortality.
England face Ghana in their second group game on 23 June.