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2026 FIFA World Cup
28JUN

Kane passes Lineker on 11 goals

2 min read
12:23UTC

Harry Kane scored against Panama to reach 11 World Cup goals, overtaking Gary Lineker as England's all-time leading scorer at the finals.

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Key takeaway

Harry Kane passed Gary Lineker to become England's all-time World Cup scorer on 11 goals.

Deep Analysis

In plain English

Harry Kane is England's all-time leading scorer in international football, and with his goal against Panama on 27 June he became the country's all-time leading scorer at World Cups as well, reaching 11 goals. The previous England record of 10 goals was held by Gary Lineker, who scored most of his goals at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, where he won the prize for the tournament's top scorer. Kane had equalled that record earlier in this tournament but went a full game against Ghana without scoring, drawing some criticism at home. Kane plays as a centre-forward, the traditional No. 9 role, and scores predominantly from inside the penalty area. England beat Panama 2-0 to advance to the knockout round.

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  • Meaning

    Kane's 11 goals came across three World Cups, a more even distribution than Lineker's record (six from one tournament), suggesting Kane's record will stand longer if England maintain regular knockout-round appearances.

First Reported In

Update #31 · Iran out without losing as last 32 is set

ESPN· 28 Jun 2026
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