Kane becomes England's top scorer at World Cups and now chases other icons
Harry Kane broke Gary Lineker's record and became England's record World Cup scorer when he scored during the 2-0 victory against Panama. He reflects on this achievement and makes comparisons with other icons such as Lionel Messi and Pelé.
Harry Kane broke Gary Lineker's record and became England's all-time top scorer at World Cups when he scored during the 2-0 victory against Panama. The England captain doubled his team's lead when he accurately headed Jude Bellingham's cross in the second half. "It's a source of pride, for sure," Kane told BBC Sport. "I spoke before the tournament about the World Cup being the biggest competition we play in as professionals, so to reach 12 goals is a proud feeling. It's always difficult to absorb. I just want to enjoy this moment with the team, enjoy being at the top of the table. I never take these moments for granted. It's another good milestone to achieve, and I hope it won't be the last one in this tournament."
Lineker, who scored six times at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico and four times in Italy four years later, recently said Kane is "the greatest English striker we've ever had". Kane scored two goals in England's 4-2 victory against Croatia, becoming only the second English men's player to score in three different World Cups (Russia 2018, Qatar 2022 and North America 2026). He joins former Manchester United midfielder David Beckham, who scored in the 1998, 2002 and 2006 World Cups. Kane won the Golden Boot in Russia eight years ago with six goals, before adding two more in Qatar. He has three so far this World Cup, helping England progress to the last 16.
Kane may be England's record goalscorer at World Cups, but he still has a long way to go to surpass the record of some of his rivals. Argentina star Lionel Messi has made history at this World Cup as his five goals so far take him to 18 in total, becoming the tournament's top scorer by breaking the record of 16 goals held by Germany's Miroslav Klose. Kane is just over six years younger than Messi - both looking to add to their tally at this World Cup. The Bayern Munich striker has more goals than Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo (10) in World Cups, although he is four behind Brazil's Ronaldo, who has 15. Kane could well overtake a World Cup legend in this tournament, as Pelé is one goal ahead with 12 goals. Pelé is the only player to have won the World Cup three times, whilst scoring in four tournaments - 1958, 1962, 1966 and 1970. His 12 goals were scored in just 16 World Cup games - the same amount of games Kane has played so far. Pele has a slightly better goals per minute rate, averaging a goal every 105 minutes at World Cups, compared to Kane's 113.
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