Harry Kane has thrust himself into the early reckoning for the World Cup Golden Boot after scoring twice in the first half of England's 4-2 victory over Croatia. The England captain's brace places him alongside Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Vinicius Jr in a star-studded list of early contenders.
Kane's double came in Tuesday's group stage match in Dallas, as he delivered a clinical first-half performance that set the tone for Thomas Tuchel's side. The Tottenham striker's goals were part of a thrilling encounter that also saw Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford find the net for the Three Lions.
“Harry Kane scored a first-half brace against Croatia to join Messi, Mbappe and Haaland in the Golden Boot race.”
His inclusion in the Golden Boot race follows a series of memorable strikes from the first round of games. Argentina's Lionel Messi, France's Kylian Mbappe and Brazil's Vinicius Jr have all produced memorable goals in the tournament's opening fixtures, as highlighted in a BBC Sport compilation of the best strikes from round one.
Erling Haaland, up against England later in the group, is also in the early running, meaning the Golden Boot race already features some of the biggest names in world football. Kane's double has moved him level with the leading scorers, adding a new dimension to a competition that already boasted Messi, Mbappe and Vinicius Jr among its standout performers.
England's performance against Croatia was described as a statement, with Tuchel's tactical decisions paying off as the team turned on the style in the second half. Kane's leadership was highlighted in player ratings, with the skipper leading by example and his brace giving him a strong platform to challenge for the top scorer award.
As the tournament progresses, Kane will be looking to add to his tally and become the first Englishman to win the Golden Boot since the award was introduced. With Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland among his rivals, the battle for the prestigious individual prize is already shaping up to be one of the storylines of the World Cup.