Kane joins elite World Cup 10-goal club after England's 4-2 win in 2026

Harry Kane became England's second player to reach 10 World Cup goals, scoring twice in a 4-2 victory over Croatia at the 2026 World Cup.

Lineker praises Kane's record Gary Lineker, a former England striker with 48 goals in 80 appearances, has declared Harry Kane 'the greatest English striker we’ve ever had' after Kane matched his World Cup goals record. Lineker achieved his 10 World Cup goals between the 1986 and 1990 tournaments, while Kane reached the milestone during his third World Cup appearance, having featured in Russia in 2018 and Qatar four years earlier. Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Lineker joked, 'Welcome to the double-figures club. It’s great. I mean, it may have taken him a World Cup more.' He then added with sincerity, 'In all seriousness, Harry Kane is, I think, the greatest English striker we’ve ever had. I genuinely think that now.' ## Kane equals record in thrilling opener Harry Kane, now with 81 goals in 115 international matches, sits at the top of England’s all-time scoring chart after netting twice in the opening Group L match against Croatia in Dallas. The match ended 4-2, with Kane converting a retaken penalty early in the first half before powering a header to restore England’s lead three minutes before halftime. Lineker expressed his delight, stating, 'I’m absolutely thrilled that Kane equalled my record. His all-round game is, for me, what sets him apart from everyone else.' ## Shearer predicts Kane’s next milestone Alan Shearer, co-host of the podcast and a former England striker with 30 goals including two at the 1998 World Cup, acknowledged Kane’s latest achievement while noting the competition. 'Harry Kane has seen Messi, Mbappe, and Haaland come on straight away and get the goals,' he said. 'It’s only a matter of time before he breaks your record,' he added, referring to Lineker’s tally. ## Maguire hails Kane’s leadership and skill Harry Maguire, a Manchester United defender omitted from England’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, emphasized Kane’s global standing beyond just England. 'Harry Kane is not just the Three Lions’ best player; he’s one of the best players in the world,' Maguire declared. 'You can’t speak highly enough of him. On the pitch, he’s phenomenal, but off it, he’s an outstanding leader,' he continued. ## England's group stage schedule Following the opening victory against Croatia, England are set to face Ghana in their second group-stage match on June 23 at 21:00 BST. The team’s campaign continues as they aim to advance from Group L in the 2026 World Cup. ## Other World Cup goal milestones Kane’s achievement comes amid a flurry of goals from global stars in the early matches of the 2026 tournament. Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick for Argentina against Algeria, Kylian Mbappe found the net twice for France in their win over Senegal, and Erling Haaland netted a brace for Norway against Iran. These performances highlight the attacking firepower on display at the tournament.