Harry Kane has equalled Gary Lineker’s record of 10 World Cup goals — and the man whose record he matched thinks Kane is the greatest English striker of all time. The England captain, 32, scored twice as the Three Lions opened their 2026 World Cup campaign with a commanding 4-2 victory against Croatia in Dallas on Wednesday, drawing level with Lineker’s mark set across Mexico 1986 and Italia 90.
Kane’s Record-Equalling Brace Against Croatia
Two goals in one night to reach a landmark that had stood for decades. Kane put England in front and doubled their lead as the Three Lions dismantled Croatia 4-2 in their Group L opener at AT&T Stadium, Dallas. The brace brought his World Cup tally to exactly 10 goals across three tournaments — matching the mark Lineker set between 1986 and 1990.
England’s victory was emphatic and commanding. Croatia — finalists in 2018 — could not contain a Three Lions side that looked sharper, more clinical and more confident than at any recent tournament. For England fans who have endured heartbreak in 2018 (semi-final exit to Croatia) and 2022 (quarter-final defeat to France), this felt like a new beginning.
Lineker’s Verdict: ‘The Greatest English Striker We’ve Ever Had’
Gary Lineker, 65, did not hesitate. ‘Harry Kane is the greatest English striker we’ve ever had,’ the former England forward said after seeing his own record equalled on Wednesday. Lineker scored all 10 of his World Cup goals across two tournaments — 6 goals and the Golden Boot at Mexico 1986, plus 4 more at Italia 90. His record had stood unbroken until Kane’s brace in Dallas.
What makes Kane’s achievement arguably more remarkable is the consistency across three separate tournaments: 6 goals and the Golden Boot at Russia 2018, 2 goals at Qatar 2022, and now 2 goals from England’s very first match in 2026. With multiple games still ahead, Kane has a genuine opportunity to become England’s outright World Cup goalscorer — and to put his name in the conversation for the all-time tournament record.
Kane in England’s All-Time Scoring Charts
Kane’s World Cup milestone sits within a broader context of record-breaking for England. He is already the Three Lions’ all-time leading scorer, having surpassed Wayne Rooney’s previous record of 53 goals in 120 appearances. Sir Bobby Charlton (49 goals in 106 caps) and Lineker himself (48 goals in 80 caps) both trail Kane in England’s historical scoring charts.
At international level, Kane combines goalscoring volume with remarkable consistency — a trait that separates truly great strikers from merely prolific ones. His movement, finishing with both feet, and ability to perform in the biggest matches make him the complete centre-forward that England had been searching for since Lineker’s own era.
Can Kane Chase the All-Time World Cup Goals Record?
The all-time World Cup goalscoring record belongs to Germany’s Miroslav Klose, who scored 16 goals across four tournaments between 2002 and 2014. Brazil’s Ronaldo — Ronaldo Fenomeno — sits second with 15 goals across 1998, 2002 and 2006. At 10 goals and playing in his third tournament, Kane is now firmly in the historical conversation.
For England supporters, the more immediate milestone is surpassing Lineker’s 10 goals outright — something that could happen as early as the next group stage match. Beyond that, Kane would need a deep run through the knockout stages to threaten Klose’s record. Given England’s performance against Croatia, that scenario no longer feels far-fetched.
England’s 2026 World Cup Ambitions: Is This Finally Their Year?
England have come agonisingly close in recent tournaments — a semi-final in 2018, a quarter-final in 2022 — but the 1966 World Cup victory remains their only title. The 4-2 opening win over Croatia, with Kane at his clinical best, delivers the clearest statement yet that this squad believes its moment has arrived.
With a captain in record-breaking form, a balanced squad, and the tournament being played across North America, the conditions are in place for England’s deepest World Cup run in 60 years. The question now is whether Kane can translate individual brilliance into a team trophy — and whether the nation that invented football can finally bring it home again.
FAQ
Has Harry Kane broken Gary Lineker’s World Cup goals record?
Not yet — Kane has equalled Lineker’s record of 10 World Cup goals with his brace against Croatia in the 2026 Group L opener. Lineker scored his 10 goals across Mexico 1986 and Italia 90. With more matches ahead in this tournament, Kane could break the record outright in the coming weeks.
How many international goals has Harry Kane scored for England in total?
Harry Kane is England’s all-time leading scorer with more than 60 international goals, surpassing Wayne Rooney’s previous record of 53 goals in 120 appearances. He has also overtaken Sir Bobby Charlton (49 goals in 106 caps) and Gary Lineker (48 goals in 80 caps) in England’s all-time scoring charts.
Who holds the all-time World Cup goals record?
Germany’s Miroslav Klose holds the all-time World Cup goals record with 16 goals across four tournaments (2002, 2006, 2010, 2014). Brazil’s Ronaldo Fenomeno is second with 15 goals. Kane, with 10 goals, is now the leading active scorer in the 2026 World Cup.
How many World Cup goals did Kane score in each tournament?
Kane scored 6 goals and won the Golden Boot at Russia 2018, 2 goals at Qatar 2022, and 2 goals in his first match of the 2026 World Cup against Croatia. His total of 10 World Cup goals equals Gary Lineker’s England record set between 1986 and 1990.
What group is England in at the 2026 World Cup?
England are in Group L at the 2026 World Cup. They opened their campaign with a 4-2 victory over Croatia in Dallas on 18 June 2026, with Harry Kane scoring twice to equal Gary Lineker’s record of 10 World Cup goals.
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