The England captain moved past Gary Lineker with his 11th World Cup goal as the Three Lions entered the knockout stage with momentum.
Harry Kane has become England men’s all-time leading World Cup goalscorer after scoring in the 2-0 win over Panama.
The England captain headed in his 11th World Cup goal after Jude Bellingham’s delivery. That moved him past Gary Lineker and gave England a record moment on their way to the knockout stage.
It was a goal England needed.
Panama made the game uncomfortable for long periods. England had control, but they still had to wait until the second half to turn that control into goals.
Bellingham broke the deadlock before setting up Kane for the second. His delivery gave Kane the chance, and the striker did what he has done so often for England.
He finished the job.
Kane had already drawn level with Lineker earlier in the tournament during England’s opening win over Croatia. Against Panama, he made the record his own at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
Bellingham praised Kane after the match, calling it “an honour” to play with him. He also described the striker as “the best England player of all time” and said Kane keeps making the difference for his country.
That is now the story around England.
They have topped Group L. Their captain has broken a major national record. And their attack still has a reliable finisher when the pressure rises.
However, the knockout stage will demand more.
England will face one of the best third-placed teams in the Round of 32. From this point, one mistake can end a campaign. One moment can also change everything.
Kane has already given England history.
Now he must help turn that history into a deeper World Cup run.
