Harry Kane has become England’s all-time leading goalscorer after finding the net for the 54th time in his international career during Thursday night’s European Championship qualifier against Italy.
Kane had gone into the game in Naples level with Wayne Rooney on 53 goals but moved clear of the former Manchester United forward to hold the record outright, scoring from the penalty spot.
The Three Lions skipper equalled Rooney’s mark when scoring from the spot against France during last year’s World Cup quarter-final. However, he then missed the chance to take the record on his own when blasting a second spot-kick over the bar as England crashed out with a 2-1 defeat.
Italy vs England | Euro 2024 Qualifier | Thursday 23rd March 2023
Of Kane’s 54 goals, 12 have come at major tournaments, the most ever by a male English player.
The 29-year-old scored his first England goal less than two minutes into his debut against Lithuania back in 2015 and his haul has come in just 81 caps.
Rooney, congratulated the Tottenham striker on becoming the nation's all-time leading scorer adding he "knew it wouldn't take long". He tweeted: "Congratulations to HKane on becoming England's all-time leading goalscorer. I knew it wouldn't take long but that was quick. Great man, unbelievable goalscorer and an England legend. Congrats Harry."
Former Spurs striker Gary Lineker, who scored 48 times in 80 England appearances, tweeted: "Many congratulations to HKane on becoming England's highest ever goal-scorer. A wonderful achievement."
