Gary Lineker has declared Harry Kane the greatest striker England has ever produced, after Kane's brace in a 4-2 victory against Croatia at the FIFA World Cup 2026 drew him level with Lineker's long-standing national record of 10 World Cup goals.

The milestone arrived in England's opening group match, a statement performance from a captain who now holds 81 goals across 115 international appearances — making him England's all-time leading scorer.

Lineker's verdict on Kane

Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Lineker was characteristically candid. "Welcome to the double-figures club. It's great. I mean, it may have taken him a World Cup more," he joked, before turning serious.

"In all seriousness, Harry Kane is, I think, the greatest English striker we've ever had. I genuinely think that now," Lineker added. "I'm absolutely delighted that Kane equalled my record. His all-round game is, for me, what separates him from all the others."

Peers line up to praise Kane

Harry Maguire, the Manchester United defender who was left out of manager Thomas Tuchel's squad for this summer's tournament, also voiced his admiration. "You can't speak highly enough of him. On the pitch, he's unbelievable, but, off the pitch, he's a massive leader," Maguire said, adding that Kane is not merely England's best player but "one of the best players in the world."

A golden opening round

Kane's double arrived amid a flurry of high-profile performances across the tournament's opening fixtures. Lionel Messi delivered a hat-trick as Argentina defeated Algeria, Kylian Mbappé netted twice for France in a win over Senegal, and Erling Haaland scored a brace to help Norway past Iran. Kane's contribution ensured England stood alongside the tournament's heavyweights after matchday one.