Harry Kane is preparing to match David Beckham’s appearance record for England as focus turns to Croatia. The Bayern Munich forward is expected to win a 115th cap in the World Cup opener in Dallas, drawing level with Beckham and underlining Kane’s ongoing role as England captain at major tournaments.

That appearance will place Kane joint-third on England’s all-time caps list. Only Wayne Rooney, with 120 games, and Peter Shilton, with 125, have featured more. This World Cup also marks Kane’s sixth major tournament for England, reflecting a long spell at the highest international level.

Kane is looking closely at how elite names extend their careers. The England record scorer highlights Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Luka Modric as models for consistent performance over many seasons, especially with Modric expected to control Croatia’s midfield when the sides meet in Dallas.

Argentina star Messi is already making more history at this tournament. Messi becomes the first player to appear at six different World Cups and marks that achievement with a hat-trick in a 3-0 victory over Algeria. Cristiano Ronaldo is set to equal that six-World-Cup landmark when Portugal begin their campaign on Wednesday.

Kane arrives at the tournament after scoring 61 goals in all competitions for Bayern this season. Kane turns 33 next month yet believes physical condition remains strong. Long-term consistency is central to Kane’s thinking as England aim for a positive start in Dallas against Croatia’s experienced side.

Reflecting on Beckham’s mark, Kane told BBC Sport: “To reach the same number of caps [as Beckham] is a great thing for me,” and added: “Beckham was a big idol of mine growing up and obviously hoping and dreaming one day that I would be in the same England shirt as him, that will be a great milestone to hit for sure.”

Kane explains the level of career longevity that inspires this drive. “Some of the players like [Cristiano] Ronaldo, [Lionel] Messi and Modric, being able to do it for 20-plus years is what truly separates the good players from the great players,” added Kane, who turns 33 next month. “I’m extremely proud of being here again and being in my sixth tournament and I think being in the shape that I am in. During my career, I don’t think I will ever think anything different. Maybe in 10 years or so I will look back at everything I have been able to do.”

Key appearance landmarks for England are shown below.

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The sense of occasion around Kane’s 115th cap is clear within the England camp.

Kane’s position alongside Beckham in the appearance list, combined with current scoring form for Bayern and admiration for Messi, Ronaldo and Modric, underlines a clear target. Kane is aiming to extend an England career built on durability and influence as another World Cup campaign begins.