Lineker backs 'phenomenal' Kane to win Ballon d'Or after record-equalling brace against Czechia

Gary Lineker has thrown his weight behind Harry Kane as a Ballon d’Or contender, calling the England captain “phenomenal” after Kane equalled Peter Shilton’s all-time England appearance record of 125 caps and scored twice in a 3-0 Nations League victory over Czech Republic at Wembley.

Kane’s international goal tally now stands at 91, and he has scored eight times in as many appearances for both England and Bayern Munich combined so far this season. That form follows an extraordinary previous campaign in which he netted 61 goals for Bayern and 12 for England.

Speaking at a Leaders Week conference at Stamford Bridge, Lineker was effusive in his praise. “What Harry Kane has done is truly incredible,” he said. “He is such a brilliant finisher. He is so accurate with both feet and great in the air, too. He is not just a penalty box player like I was. I would just lurk around and get the odd goal, but you saw him last night, he was clearing up at the back, too. He is a phenomenal footballer, incredibly intelligent, a really good guy, and what a career he has had.”

Lineker, whose World Cup scoring record for England Kane surpassed earlier this year, added that a Ballon d’Or for the 33-year-old would be historic for English football. “We have never had a Ballon d’Or winner because the other previous winners, including Michael Owen and Kevin Keegan, were European Footballers of the Year,” he noted. “It would be very well deserved, and it is either going to be him, or Lamine Yamal. So, hopefully he will win a Ballon d’Or, and even more importantly, hopefully he will win something with England one day.”

The 70th edition of the Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled to take place in London on 26 October, chosen to commemorate the first recipient of the award, Sir Stanley Matthews.