England striker Harry Kane has made a stunning start to his World Cup 2026 campaign, as the star player has already netted a brace.
England are playing against Croatia in their Group L encounter and Kane has showcased his pedigree with two goals in the first half already.
Kane struck first from the spot. After missing his penalty initially, VAR intervened and Kane retook his spot kick, this time making no mistake to give England the lead. Although Croatia equalized, the Bayern striker put his team in front again. Declan Rice’s floated corner was headed in without any pressure as the Three Lions took the lead again. Croatia came back through Petar Musa as the two teams are locked 2-2 at the break.
Harry Kane creates Unique Record
Harry Kane, with his brace, now has 10 goals in the World Cups. The England captain thus equalled Gary Lineker’s record tally and is now joint most goal-scorer for the Three Lions in World Cups. He scored 6 goals in World Cup 2018, 2 in 2022, and has already netted 2 in this edition of the competition.
Kane goes past Cristiano Ronaldo
Harry Kane has also gone past Cristiano Ronaldo in World Cup goals tally. The Portugal star was left frustrated as they drew 1-1 against DR Congo. Ronaldo failed to hit the target again and is stuck with 8 World Cup goals to his name. On Tuesday, Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick against Algeria and has 16 goals to his name in World Cups, the joint-most along with former Germany striker Miroslav Klose. Kylian Mbappe also had a crack with a brace against Senegal and has 15 World Cup goals to his name now.
Harry Kane joins David Beckham
Harry Kane is also only the 2nd England player to score in three seperate World Cups, and the other player is David Beckham, who did the same in 1998, 2002 and 2006 World Cups.
Story first published: Thursday, June 18, 2026, 2:27 [IST]
