EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Harry Kane became England’s all-time World Cup top scorer after netting their second goal in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Panama at MetLife Stadium.
Jude Bellingham struck England’s opener on 62 minutes before assisting Kane five minutes later as Kane registered his 11th World Cup goal, one more than Gary Lineker’s previous men’s record. It was Kane’s third goal of the tournament.
England advanced to the round of 32 as group winners, and they will face Congo DR in Atlanta on Wednesday.
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“It is a proud one for sure,” Kane told the BBC. “I spoke before the tournament about the World Cup being the biggest competition we play as professional footballers, so to get to 11 goals is a proud feeling.
“It is always hard to take in. I just want to enjoy this moment with the team, enjoy being top of the table. I never take these moments for granted. Another good milestone to hit, and I hope it is not the last one in this tournament.”
Kane has 18 goals in major international tournaments for England and is already their record goal scorer with 82 goals from 116 appearances. He won the Golden Boot during the 2018 World Cup in Russia with six goals in England’s run to the semifinals.
Kane’s tally of 82 ties him with Jurgen Klinsmann, while Kane also equaled Sandor Kocsis with 11 World Cup goals.
Lineker described Kane as the “greatest English striker we’ve ever had” after his brace in the team’s first match of this tournament.
“It’s an honor to play with him,” Bellingham said. “He’s the best England player of all time; he’s the one who’s showed up more than anyone, more than any England player.
“He’s at a level at the moment which is just incredible. You just don’t doubt him, as you know he’s going to make a difference in the game.”
Kane bagged two goals during the Qatar World Cup in 2022 but missed a penalty against France in the quarterfinal defeat.
Lineker scored his 10 goals in two tournaments, winning the Golden Boot with six goals at Mexico in 1986 before adding four at Italy in 1990.
“It is fantastic that he has this chance to break this record at a World Cup. He did this with us. Harry is an amazing state of mind, physically, as well,” England boss Thomas Tuchel said. “He is hungry to go all the way in this World Cup. He is not satisfied, which shows us the character and determination of him.”
Kane’s goal against Panama keeps him in the hunt to become the first player to win the Golden Boot twice. He is two behind Lionel Messi at five, while Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Ousmane Dembélé and Vinícius Júnior each have four.
Kane’s latest landmark comes after a remarkable campaign at Bayern Munich. The striker has 70 goals for the season for club and country.
PA and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
