Richards mocks Lineker on air as Kane equals his World Cup knockout record

Harry Kane equalled Gary Lineker’s record of six World Cup knockout-stage goals with a penalty in England’s 3-2 victory over Mexico, prompting his former Manchester City teammate Micah Richards to publicly rib Lineker about his habit of cataloguing the milestones being stripped from him.

Kane, 32, converted from the spot on his 119th England appearance to take his international tally to 85 goals — a figure that dwarfs Lineker’s own record of 48 goals in 80 caps. The Bayern Munich striker has now drawn level with Lineker specifically in World Cup knockout games, though Lineker was quick to note it took Kane two additional matches to reach the same mark.

The exchange played out on a post-match episode of The Rest is Football on Netflix, where Lineker was joined by reporter Alex Aljoe, rapper Aitch and former USA goalkeeper Brad Friedel. Richards and fellow ex-City and England goalkeeper Joe Hart joined via video link from the UK.

Lineker opened the discussion with characteristic self-deprecation: “Harry Kane tonight equalled another record of mine, Micah. Most knockout goals — he’s now equalled six. It took him two games longer, but that’s all right!”

Richards was quick to pounce. “Seriously Gary, it’s getting embarrassing now! Have a night off, will you?” he said, before adding: “‘The Rest is Gary Lineker’ — just do your own pod and talk about yourself for the whole 40 minutes.”

The jibe drew laughter from everyone in the studio. Lineker fired back with an X-rated retort: “I can’t help having so many f***ing records, Micah! But they’re all going, okay?”

The ribbing escalated when Richards broke into a fan chant, prompting Lineker to theatrically cut the video feed — before Richards reappeared moments later as the banter continued.

Beyond the comedy, Kane’s performance keeps him firmly in contention for the tournament’s Golden Boot. His six goals in the competition leave him one behind the leading trio of Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland. England’s quarter-final against Norway on Saturday will offer Kane another opportunity to close that gap — and, in all likelihood, claim another record at Lineker’s expense.