Harry Kane created history on Thursday as he became England’s all-time leading goalscorer with his 54th goal in a 2-1 Euro 2024 qualifying win away to Italy.
The Tottenham striker’s penalty just before half-time put England 2-0 ahead in Naples and banished memories of his crucial penalty miss in the Three Lions’ World Cup quarter-final defeat by France in December.
After the match, Kane spoke to Channel 4 and described his 54th international goal as a “magical moment”.
He said, “It had to be a penalty, and once it hit the back of the net, huge emotion. A magical moment.”
This was a special achievement for Kane, who has been a key player for England for many years now.
Just so proud to be this country's all time top goalscorer it's something you can't even dream about as a kid. A magical moment. 🏴🦁🦁🦁 pic.twitter.com/qeSVaFi4pJ
— Harry Kane (@HKane) March 23, 2023
He surpassed Wayne Rooney’s tally of 53 goals for the Three Lions and achieved the feat on his 81st international appearance.
Rooney took to Twitter to congratulate Kane and wrote:
“I knew it wouldn’t take long but that was quick. Great man, unbelievable goalscorer and an England legend. Congrats Harry.”
Kane’s recent goalscoring record has been nothing short of phenomenal.
He surpassed Jimmy Greaves’ previous record of 266 to become Tottenham’s top scorer in February.
His form for England has also been impressive, with Kane scoring his first senior international goal just seconds into his debut as a Wembley substitute against Lithuania in March 2015.
He was named as Gareth Southgate’s skipper ahead of the 2018 World Cup and led his country to the semi-finals, bagging the Golden Boot with six goals in Russia.
Four more goals at Euro 2020 helped England reach a first major final since 1966.
Kane’s two goals at the 2022 World Cup saw him move ahead of Gary Lineker as England’s top scorer at major tournaments with 12.
However, despite his impressive individual record, Kane is yet to win a major trophy for club or country.
He was on the losing side when Tottenham reached the Champions League final for the first time in their history in 2019, going down 2-0 to Liverpool in Madrid.
Kane’s future at Tottenham is again a source of speculation with just over one year left to run on his contract amid interest from Manchester United and Bayern Munich.
With his current form and record, there is no doubt that Kane will attract interest from top clubs around the world.
However, for now, Kane can enjoy the moment and bask in the glory of becoming England’s all-time leading goalscorer.
Speaking after the match, he said, “Just a really special night for me and a night I will never forget. I’m just really proud.”
It was a well-deserved achievement for one of England’s finest footballers of this generation.
