Kane doubles to equal Lineker's England record as Haaland rivalry fuels Golden Boot bid

Harry Kane equalled Gary Lineker’s record of 10 World Cup goals for England with a first-half brace in the Three Lions’ 4-2 Group L opener against Croatia in Dallas on Wednesday, and said watching Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe score in their own opening fixtures had sharpened his hunger for the Golden Boot.

Kane’s double came a day after Haaland and France captain Mbappe both netted braces in their respective first matches, while Lionel Messi added a hat-trick for Argentina against Algeria. The Bayern Munich striker acknowledged the competition from his rivals but insisted his focus remains on his own game.

“Obviously I saw the guys scoring their goals,” Kane said. “I don’t like to concentrate on other people, but it is natural as a sportsman and athlete to want to reach the highest level. Those guys started in a great way. As a striker myself, I just want to get on the scoresheet as quickly as possible. In the back of my mind that competition helps me to push my levels.”

Kane is chasing history on two fronts. He is already the only man ever to win the World Cup Golden Boot once — claiming the award in Russia in 2018 — and a second such prize would be unprecedented. His tally of 10 World Cup goals for England now matches the mark Lineker set across the 1986 and 1990 tournaments.

“It’s a great milestone to reach,” Kane said. “Gary had some amazing tournaments and to be on that number now is really enjoyable. To reach double figures at this amazing tournament is very special.”

The 31-year-old arrives at the tournament in the form of his career. He scored 61 goals in 51 games for Bayern Munich last season and says the numbers reflect where he is physically and mentally.

“Physically, I am feeling good. The goals I have scored this year are the most I have ever had in my career — I feel I am at the peak of my powers at the right time,” he said. “There is a long way to go, a lot of tough games ahead, but for me personally I enjoy being out there on the pitch when I am feeling in this form. Recover now and get ready for the next game.”