Harry Kane becomes England’s all-time World Cup top scorer as Three Lions beat Panama 2-0

Harry Kane became England's greatest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history after finding the net in a 2-0 victory over Panama that secured the Three Lions top spot in Group L and a place in the knockout rounds.

The England captain scored his 11th career World Cup goal at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, moving one clear of Gary Lineker to become the nation's highest scorer in the tournament's history.

Jude Bellingham also got on the scoresheet as Thomas Tuchel's side completed an unbeaten group-stage campaign and advanced as group winners.

Kane surpasses Gary Lineker

Kane's historic moment arrived when he met Bellingham's inviting cross with a clinical header that doubled England's advantage.

The strike not only broke Lineker's long-standing World Cup record of 10 goals but also extended Kane's remarkable tally to 18 goals across major international tournaments for England.

Speaking after the match, Kane described the achievement as one of the proudest moments of his international career.

The Bayern Munich striker said the World Cup represents football's biggest stage, making the milestone particularly special as England continue their quest for a second world title.

Golden boot race still alive

Kane's latest goal also strengthens his bid to become the first player to win the FIFA World Cup Golden Boot on two separate occasions. The England skipper currently sits among the tournament's leading scorers after adding to the two goals he scored in England's opening victory over Croatia.

Lionel Messi remains the tournament's top scorer, while Kane continues to chase alongside several elite forwards including Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Ousmane Dembélé and Vinícius Júnior.

With England now guaranteed at least one more knockout match, Kane will have further opportunities to climb both the Golden Boot standings and the all-time World Cup scoring charts.

England continue strong tournament start

England controlled much of the contest against Panama and rarely looked troubled throughout the 90 minutes. Bellingham once again impressed in midfield before providing the assist for Kane's landmark goal, continuing an outstanding individual tournament for the Real Madrid star.

The result means England finish first in Group L after collecting seven points from three matches, extending their unbeaten run under Thomas Tuchel at the tournament.

Kane enjoying outstanding season

The England captain's goal also continued an extraordinary campaign at club and international level. Having enjoyed another prolific season with Bayern Munich, Kane has now amassed an impressive goals tally across all competitions for club and country during the 2025-26 campaign.

His consistency in front of goal remains one of England's biggest weapons as the knockout rounds begin.

Round of 32 awaits

By finishing top of Group L, England progress to the Round of 32, where they are expected to face one of the best third-placed teams, with Senegal or DR Congo among the potential opponents.

With confidence growing and Kane making history, England now shift their focus towards the knockout phase as they chase their first World Cup triumph since 1966.

SportsLigue