World Cup 2026: Lineker Calls Kane England’s Greatest Striker

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Tottenham legend Gary Lineker has called Harry Kane the greatest England striker.

The comment came after England’s opening match, when Kane netted twice to help secure a 4‑2 win over Croatia and matched Lineker’s national record of 10 World Cup goals.

Kane’s standout display follows Lionel Messi’s hat‑trick for Argentina against Algeria, Kylian Mbappé’s brace for France in their win over Senegal, and Erling Haaland’s double for Manchester City in Norway’s victory against Iran.

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Speaking on the The Rest is Football podcast, the former Three Lions striker praised the 32‑year‑old captain for reaching the milestone.

“Welcome to the double‑figures club. It’s great. I mean, it may have taken him a World Cup more,” ex‑Match of the Day presenter Lineker joked.

“In all seriousness, Harry Kane is, I think, the greatest English striker we’ve ever had. I genuinely think that now.”

“I’m absolutely delighted that Kane equalled my record,” Lineker continued. “His all‑round game is, for me, what separates him from all the others.”

Kane, who has 81 goals in 115 international appearances, is now England’s all‑time record goalscorer.

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Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, who was omitted from England boss Thomas Tuchel’s squad for this summer’s tournament, said Kane is not only the Three Lions’ best player but also “one of the best players in the world.”

He added: “You can’t speak highly enough of him. On the pitch, he’s unbelievable, but, off the pitch, he’s a massive leader.”