Harry Kane has become England’s sole World Cup record goalscorer with his strike in the 2-0 victory against Panama. Jude Bellingham took this achievement as an opportunity for remarkable praise.
«It’s an honor for me to play alongside him,» Bellingham began, then declared, «For me, he’s the best England player of all time. He has shown more than anyone else.» Bellingham gave England the lead against Panama in the 62nd minute after a tough first half, before assisting Kane’s historic goal with a cross (67th minute).
With a header, the 32-year-old Bayern Munich striker scored his eleventh World Cup goal for England, surpassing Gary Lineker (ten) in the national rankings. Lionel Messi (18) is the global leader, having overtaken the previous record holder Miroslav Klose (16) at this World Cup. Kylian Mbappé now also has 16 goals.
England’s Record Goalscorer, Harry Kane, Has Been for a Long Time
Kane started the tournament with a brace in the 4-2 victory against Croatia, before England’s captain disappointed in the 0-0 draw against Ghana. With only 19 touches, he recorded a personal low in a tournament game. «We don’t doubt him, no matter how involved he is in the game or not,» Bellingham said, referring to that performance. «He makes the difference and he did it again today.»
By naming Kane the best English national player, the Real Madrid midfielder placed him above all the heroes of England’s only World Cup title to date in 1966, such as then-captain Bobby Moore or striker Bobby Charlton. With 82 goals, Kane has long been England’s undisputed record goalscorer, followed by Wayne Rooney (53), Charlton (49), and Lineker (48).
With the victory against Panama, England qualified as group winners for the round of 16. They will face a third-placed team on Wednesday, likely Senegal. At the end of the tournament, following two lost European Championship finals (2021 and 2024), Kane’s first major title with the national team is aimed for.