Kane equals Lineker's England record with brace as Three Lions beat Croatia 4-2 in World Cup opener

Harry Kane equalled Gary Lineker’s record of 10 World Cup goals for England with a first-half brace in Dallas on Wednesday, helping the Three Lions to a 4-2 opening victory over Croatia at the 2026 World Cup. The England captain now shares the national record with Lineker, who set the mark across the 1986 and 1990 tournaments.

Kane said the fast starts made by expected Golden Boot rivals Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland provided extra motivation. Mbappe scored twice as France beat Senegal 3-1, while Haaland also bagged a brace in Norway’s 4-1 thrashing of Iraq — leaving all three strikers level on two goals after the opening round of fixtures.

“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.”

The milestone arrives on the back of the most prolific season of Kane’s career. The Bayern Munich striker scored 61 goals in 51 games in 2023-24, and he believes that form has carried directly into this tournament.

“It’s a great milestone to reach, to get 10 goals at a World Cup,” he added. “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. 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.”

Kane is bidding to become the first player in history to win the World Cup Golden Boot twice, having claimed the award in Russia in 2018. With England facing a demanding group stage ahead, the 30-year-old acknowledged there is still a long road to travel, but insisted his current form gives him every reason for confidence.

“There is a long way to go, a lot of tough games ahead,” he said, “but for me personally I enjoy being out there on the pitch when I am feeling in this form.”