Kane equals Lineker's England World Cup record with first-half double against Croatia

Harry Kane matched Gary Lineker’s record of 10 England goals at World Cups with a first-half brace against Croatia in Dallas on Wednesday, though the Group B clash remained level at 2-2 at the break.

Kane opened his 2026 World Cup account from the penalty spot after his initial effort was saved. A VAR review ruled that goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic had moved off his line too early, and the retake was also affected by Croatia defender Josko Gvardiol encroaching into the area, meaning the spot-kick was ordered to be taken again. Kane converted at the second attempt.

Croatia levelled through Martin Baturina, who struck a fine effort from outside the box, but Kane restored England’s lead just before half-time, heading home from Declan Rice’s corner. Peter Musa then equalised with a volley in the final moment of the first half to make it 2-2 at the interval.

Kane’s double brings his World Cup total to 10 goals across three tournaments, drawing him level with Lineker’s combined tally from 1986 and 1990. Both players also won the World Cup Golden Boot — Lineker during England’s run to the quarter-finals in Mexico in 1986, and Kane during the 2018 semi-final campaign in Russia.

The milestone places Kane six goals behind the all-time World Cup scoring record, now jointly held by Miroslav Klose and Lionel Messi following the Argentina captain’s hat-trick against Algeria at this tournament.