Kane equals Lineker record of England's top World Cup goalscorer
Arlington, June 18
Harry Kane has written a new chapter into his England book of records by becoming just the second man from the nation to score ten goals at the FIFA World Cup with his brace in 2026 campaign opener against Croatia.
The Three Lions captain joined Gary Lineker, who recorded his haul across a six-goal adidas Golden Boot-winning campaign at Mexico 1986, before bagging four at Italy 1990.
Kane, who trailed Lineker by two goals heading into England's World Cup 2026 opener in Dallas, was at the double in the first half, taking him level. He netted his first from the spot in the 12th minute, becoming the first player in tournament history to score five penalties (excluding shootouts), before doubling his tally with a superb header just before the break.
Russia 2018 was Kane's first global finals, and while England bowed out in the semi-finals, he joined Lineker in scooping the Golden Boot with six goals. Two more followed at Qatar 2022 with efforts against Senegal and France.
Kane is England's all-time record goalscorer and joint fourth in the list of record appearance makers. The striker was part of the squads who reached the 2018 World Cup semi-finals and the finals of EURO 2020 and EURO 2024.
England won their opening FIFA World Cup 2026 fixture for the third tournament running thanks to a brilliant brace from Harry Kane and second-half goals by Jude Bellingham and substitute Marcus Rashford.
England's top World Cup goalscorers
Harry Kane - 10 goals in 12 games
Gary Lineker - 10 goals in 12 games
Geoff Hurst - 5 goals in 6 games
Bobby Charlton - 4 goals in 14 games
Michael Owen - 4 goals in 12 games
David Beckham - 3 goals in 13 games
Steven Gerrard - 3 goals in 12 games
Marcus Rashford - 3 goals in 11 games
Roger Hunt - 3 goals in 6 games
David Platt - 3 goals in 6 games
Bukayo Saka - 3 goals in 4 games
Nat Lofthouse - 3 goals in 2 games
— IANS
Reader Comments
Kane is a class act. But let's be honest - five penalties out of ten goals? That's a bit much. He's a great striker no doubt, but Lineker's goals were more spectacular. Still, you can only score what's in front of you. England looking strong for the tournament! 🇬🇧
As someone who grew up watching Lineker in the 90s, this is special. Kane has been the most consistent striker for England in decades. The way he leads the line and brings others into play (Bellingham, Rashford) is pure class. India vs England friendly when? 😄
England's golden generation is really clicking now. Kane, Bellingham, Saka, Rashford - what a lineup! That header from Kane was vintage. Reminds me of how we Indians cheer for our cricket heroes - but for football, it's England all the way for me. Come on you Lions! 🦁
Born in London but living in Bangalore now - and I've been watching England matches in local pubs here! The passion for football in India is incredible. Kane's penalty record is phenomenal under pressure. Hope he breaks the record next match. Up the Three Lions! ⚽🇬🇧
Great achievement for Kane, but honestly, I'm more impressed by Saka and Bellingham. The young guns are the future! Kane's been around for so long it's easy to take him for granted. But 10 World Cup goals is no joke. Proud moment for English football.
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