Harry Kane described himself as "gutted" after England's World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina in Atlanta Stadium — a loss that may have capped his last chance at glory. The England captain hinted this could be his final World Cup before setting his sights on Saturday's bronze final against France.
Kane's six goals in the tournament, including a vital brace against DR Congo, matched his golden boot tally from 2018 that fired England to the semi-finals. But the 2026 campaign ends with a third-place play-off rather than a final, as Thomas Tuchel's side prepare to meet old rivals France.
“Harry Kane gutted after England semi-final defeat; faces France in bronze final.”
This year's World Cup has offered breath-taking spectacles but also brought the curtain down on the illustrious playing careers of several global stars. Lionel Messi, at 39, is joint-top scorer with eight goals and one match left — a final chance to add to his 2022 triumph. Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, managed just three goals as Portugal exited in the round of 16. Neymar, limited to two substitute appearances after injury, was reduced to tears at Brazil's quarter-final defeat.
For Kane, the third-place play-off offers one last chance to add to his goal tally and possibly win the Golden Boot. He and Jude Bellingham are still in the race, though Messi leads Kylian Mbappe in the standings. Whether this is truly the last dance for England's talisman remains an open question, but the curtain is clearly falling on an era.