It took 40 years for Gary Lineker's record of 10 World Cup goals to be equalled, and when Harry Kane did it on Wednesday night in Dallas, Lineker himself was the first to anoint a new king. Kane scored twice in England's 4-2 victory over Croatia to draw level with Lineker, prompting the former striker to declare: "Harry Kane is, I think, the greatest English striker we've ever had."
Harry Kane, 32, is England's all-time record goalscorer with 81 goals in 115 international appearances. He surpassed the previous record of 53 set by Wayne Rooney in 2023. Kane has now scored in three World Cups: Russia 2018, Qatar 2022 and the current tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada. His two goals against Croatia came from a retaken penalty and a powerful header, showcasing the all-round game that Lineker says "separates him from all the others." Lineker's co-host Alan Shearer, himself a former England striker with 30 international goals, noted that Kane responded immediately after Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland all scored in the tournament's opening days.
“Harry Kane's record-equalling World Cup goals and Gary Lineker's praise explain why he is England's greatest striker.”
The debate about England's greatest striker has long centred on a handful of names: Lineker (48 goals in 80 games), Sir Bobby Charlton (49 in 106) and Rooney (53 in 120). But Kane's combination of scoring volume and all-round play has convinced Lineker, who reached his 10 World Cup goals across the 1986 and 1990 tournaments. Kane, by contrast, is playing in his third World Cup and has taken longer to reach double figures, but his consistency and leadership have made him indispensable. England manager Thomas Tuchel gave the team "a rocket" at half-time after Croatia equalised, but Kane's two first-half goals had already set the platform. Jude Bellingham scored the vital third goal, and Kane walked away with the Man of the Match award.
For UK readers, Kane's status matters because it frames England's hopes in every major tournament. He is not just the captain and top scorer; he is the player around whom the team's attacking play revolves. Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, who was left out of the World Cup squad, said Kane is "one of the best players in the world." Kane's partnership with Bellingham and emerging talents gives England a realistic chance of progressing deep into the tournament. Off the pitch, Kane's leadership is equally valued. His wife Katie was among the WAGs celebrating the win, and Kane's calm presence has been a constant through three different England managers.
Q: How many goals has Harry Kane scored for England? Kane has scored 81 goals in 115 appearances, making him England's all-time record goalscorer. He leads the list ahead of Wayne Rooney (53), Sir Bobby Charlton (49) and Gary Lineker (48).
Q: Is Harry Kane injured? Kane was spotted clutching his calf during the 4-2 win over Croatia and had strapping on the area. He issued an injury update after the match, but no details have been confirmed about the extent of any problem.
Q: Who are the other contenders for England's greatest striker? Gary Lineker (48 goals in 80 games), Sir Bobby Charlton (49 in 106) and Wayne Rooney (53 in 120) are the other names in the conversation. Lineker now believes Kane's all-round game puts him above all of them.
Kane will have the chance to push on in England's second group game against Ghana on 23 June at 21:00 BST. If he scores, he will stand alone as England's top World Cup goalscorer. Beyond that, a deep run in the tournament could cement his legacy beyond doubt.