Harry Kane became England’s leading goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history after scoring his 11th goal of the tournament during the Three Lions’ 2-0 win over Panama on Sunday.

England captain scored in the 67th minute Following Jude Bellingham’s surging run and accurate cross, the result put Panama ahead and sole possession of the record shared with Gary Lineker. Lineker scored 10 World Cup goals in the 1986 and 1990 editions, but Kane now has one better after appearing in three tournaments.

The goal also moved Kane ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gabriel Batistuta in the World Cup’s all-time leading scorers. Only six players have scored more goals than the Bayern Munich striker, who is now one behind Brazilian great Pele’s 12 goals.

Kane’s World Cup goals have come in three editions of the tournament. He scored six times to win the Golden Boot in Russia in 2018, added two goals in Qatar four years later and now takes his goal tally to 11 with three strikes in the ongoing World Cup.

Panama vs England, FIFA World Cup 2026: highlight

The latest goal capped another remarkable season for the England captain. According to Opta, it was his 70th goal for club and country in 2025–26, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo’s best single-season return of 69 goals in 69 matches for Real Madrid and Portugal during the 2011–12 campaign.

Kane achieved this milestone in just 60 matches. Among the current generation, Erling Haaland’s best return is 61 goals in 61 games during the 2022–23 season, while Kylian Mbappe’s highest tally is 54 in 56 matches. Only Lionel Messi has had a better campaign, scoring 82 goals in 69 matches for Barcelona and Argentina in 2011–12.

The 32-year-old has enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career. He helped Bayern Munich complete a domestic double, claim a third consecutive Bundesliga Golden Boot and become the highest-scoring English footballer in history, surpassing Jimmy Greaves earlier this year.

Kane’s record-breaking strike also came at a crucial moment in England’s campaign. After a goalless first half, Jude Bellingham broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute, before Kane doubled the lead five minutes later, sealing victory and England’s place in the Round of 32 as Group L winners.

With the knockout rounds looming, Kane has another achievement within reach. Another goal would bring him level with Pele on the World Cup scoring charts, while England will hope their captain’s form can mount a serious challenge for the title.

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