England legend Gary Lineker has labelled Harry Kane the ‘greatest striker’ in the history of the Three Lions after his heroics in the 4-2 win over Croatia on Wednesday.
Kane scored twice as England opened their campaign with a win in an entertaining clash and reaffirmed their position as one of the tournament favourites.
The first was from the penalty spot. His initial effort was saved, but the referee ordered a retake after the goalkeeper had stepped off his line and Josko Gvardiol had also encroached into the penalty area.
But Kane scored on his second attempt to put England ahead, becoming the second player from the country to score at three World Cup tournaments. The Bayern Munich forward also matched Lineker’s record of 10 goals – the most for the Three Lions at the Mundial.
Reacting on The Rest is Football Podcast, Gary Lineker who previously held the record hailed Kane’s impact in the colours of the national team.
“I’m absolutely delighted that Kane equalled my record,” Lineker said.
“”I’m still ahead on alphabetical order and that’s all that matters! On a serious note, welcome to the double-figures club. It’s great. I mean, it may have taken him a World Cup more.
In all seriousness, Harry Kane is, I think, the greatest English striker we’ve ever had. I genuinely think that now. His all-round game, that’s, for me, what separates him from all the others.”
Kane moved to 69 goals for club and country this season, with Erling Haaland the next on the list with 53.
Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford were also on the scoresheet to seal victory for England in their group L encounter.
Meanwhile, Premier League all-time topscorer Alan Shearer was also full of praise for the Bayern Munich striker.
“Harry Kane has seen [Lionel] Messi, has seen [Kylian] Mbappé, has seen [Erling] Haaland all come on and go straight away and go, ‘Boof’, get the goals”, Shearer said.
“It’s only a matter of time before he breaks your record.”
England return to action on Tuesday when they face Ghana in their second group match, hoping for a win to book their place in the next round.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
