It's official: Harry Kane is the all-time top scorer for England, with the national team captain surpassing Premier League icon Wayne Rooney on Thursday.
The Spurs sensation equaled the former Manchester United attacker's record in the FIFA World Cup quarterfinal against France, netting from the spot to draw level. Unfortunately, he went on to miss a second-half penalty and was unable to make history in Qatar.
However, the Tottenham ace wasted no time in making amends. The Three Lions returned to action on Thursday, kicking off their UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with an interesting trip to Italy.
And Gareth Southgate's men broke the deadlock against the Azzurri after only 13 minutes, with the 29-year-old striker having a hand in the opener as his blocked shot was converted by goalscorer Declan Rice.
Come the 44th minute, Kane was gifted the golden opportunity to surpass Rooney's record. The visitors were awarded a penalty following a handball from Di Lorenzo in the box. Harry stepped up, and unlike in the game against France, the striker converted with no hesitation. Check it out in the clips below.
RECORD BREAKER
— Channel 4 Sport (@C4Sport) March 23, 2023
Harry Kane is @England's all time top scorer #C4Football | #ThreeLions | #ITAENG pic.twitter.com/ElfwtCYocu
HE'S DONE IT!
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) March 23, 2023
Harry Kane has now scored more goals for England than any other player in men's national team's history, breaking Wayne Rooney's record (54) pic.twitter.com/SpTBZcspti
And just like that, the Tottenham ace netted his 54th goal for the Three Lions, a feat that took him eight years and 81 caps to achieve. Eighteen of those came from penalties but Kane will not lose any sleep over that.
Eight years and 81 caps after his first England goal, Harry Kane holds the records for
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 23, 2023
Goals scored (54)
Goals as captain (46)
Goals from penalties (18)
Goals in a single year (16 in 2021)
Goals in major tournaments (12)
He was born to score goals. pic.twitter.com/QE14Jlm8ih