Harry Kane is “not a player that is really exciting”, Matt Jansen has admitted to GOAL, but the prolific Bayern Munich striker could still end up going down in history as the England GOAT. One of the most consistent forwards on the planet is already the Three Lions’ all-time leading goalscorer and has their appearance record in his sights during the countdown to another World Cup.
Kane for England: Goal & cap tallies
Kane, who made his senior international debut in 2015, has earned 109 caps for his country – with many of those being picked up with the captain’s armband in place. He is just 16 outings short of matching Peter Shilton’s historic haul. The expectation is that said mark will be reached at some point in the not too distant future.
His remarkable tally of 74 goals for England is also set to be added to, with that bar being raised to a height that few considered to be possible. The only thing missing for Kane, who has broken his trophy duck at club level by becoming a Bundesliga title winner with Bayern, is a major international trophy – having suffered defeat in back-to-back European Championship finals.
AdvertisementGettyKane on course to become England's GOAT
Kane will be looking to lead by example again when Thomas Tuchel’s side go in search of global glory in 2026. Speaking in association with , ex-Premier League striker Jansen – who was dramatically cut from England’s squad for the 2002 World Cup – told GOAL when asked if Kane will become the GOAT: “He’s not a player that is really exciting, but he scores goals! He’s obviously an England legend, he’s the leading goalscorer of all-time, and it will take a long time before that is ever overtaken. He’s going to go down as one of the greats and one of the best because of his record. He is still scoring goals and I’m sure next summer he will score again for England.”
Trophy needed to become greatest of all-time
When the same question was put to former Three Lions striker Jermain Defoe, the ex-Spurs frontman told GOAL of what Kane needs to do in order to earn such a lofty standing: “If I say yes, everyone will say I’m being biased. I’ve known Harry for a long time, since he came through at Tottenham, through the academy.
“I think if he wins something, you have to put him in the conversation. Of course there have been others that are iconic figures and legends in terms of caps – [David] Beckham, Ashley Cole, all the great players. But to be England’s leading goalscorer, that’s a special achievement. If you go on to win a major tournament and have the most caps, of course you have to put him in the conversation.”
GettyEngland's greatest No.9? Rooney in no doubt
Another England icon, Wayne Rooney, believes that Kane is already the greatest No.9 to represent the Three Lions. He has told : “He’s a clever lad Harry and he knows he’s never been the quickest but I think he’s lost a little bit of sharpness. He scored I don’t know how many goals last season for Bayern. He’s a goalscorer, he’s clinical but he’s clever in terms of the positions he’s picking up. For me, he's the greatest ever England number nine.”
Rooney added on the man that took his England goal record, with the Manchester United legend finishing on 53 international efforts: “I think I could do things which potentially he couldn’t. I was nastier than him as well. In terms of goalscoring, he creates goals. People say, ‘Oh, he’s scored against San Marino or this team.’ He scores every game. Does he play well all the time? No, but for me he’s above everyone.”