HARRY Kane scores goals. It’s what he does better than any other English player in history with the 32-year-old taking his already record-breaking tally for The Three Lions to 78 goals by bagging both goals in England’s comfortable 2-0 away win over Albania on Sunday. Eight goals in eight World Cup qualifiers was the mark of a striker at the peak of his powers.

Kane is England’s best-ever player. The likes of Wayne Rooney, Sir Bobby Charlton, and Paul Gascoigne all deserve a mention as legends for the Three Lions, but Kane’s numbers speak for themselves. For club and country, he has been a force of nature this season and can be legitimately considered one of the best players in the world.

At 32, though, England won’t be able to rely on Kane operating at this level for another World Cup beyond 2026. The goals will dry up at some stage, meaning there is pressure on Thomas Tuchel’s team to make Kane’s brilliance count for something tangible. It will be harder to win the World Cup once the striker starts to fade.

“The investment from Harry in these matches is outstanding. He is so invested in everything we do,” said Tuchel when asked about Kane’s impact in the win over Albania and his leadership role for England. “He’s the same for Bayern Munich. He’s in a mindset and physical condition that is at the highest level. He produces goal after goal for us. The way he works, tracks back, and finds solutions in offensive play is outstanding.”

Since 2019, Kane has scored an incredible 40 goals in qualifying matches for World Cups and European Championships, more than any other European player. On top of this, Kane won the Golden Boot at the 2018 World Cup, scored four times at Euro 2020, and was also the joint-top scorer at Euro 2024.

 

It’s not just Kane’s finishing instincts that made him special. The Bayern Munich striker has an aura that clearly earns him respect within the dressing room. Kane is a natural leader and has grown into his role as national team captain. On and off the pitch, England are a stronger unit with Kane involved on.

Erling Haaland might be an even sharper finisher, and certainly more physical threat, than Kane, as demonstrated by the Norwegian’s sensational tally of 16 goals in just eight World Cup qualifiers. Kylian Mbappe is another forward whose level currently makes him one of the most formidable attacking forces in the world.

Kane, however, is on another level as an all-round forward. For Bayern Munich this season, he has even been used as a number 10, making the most of his passing range and ability to link up play. Even with Kane as England’s number nine, he is the national team’s connective tissue in the final third. Tuchel should continue to build around him.

England’s squad is one of the deepest and most talented in the international game right now. Tuchel has elite level options all over the pitch. Most national team managers would swap their squad for the group of players The Three Lions currently have. England will be among the firm favourites to go all the way at the 2026 World Cup.

In that squad, there are a number of talented youngsters that will sustain England at a high level for years to come, but no centre forward seemingly ready to step into Kane’s shoes. The Three Lions might not get a better chance to win a World Cup than next summer with their best-ever player and record scorer in the form he’s in right now.

---

Please remember to gamble responsibly. Visit our Safer Gambling section for more information, help, and advice.