Harry Kane created England history during Tuesday's 5-0 win over Latvia, as the Bayern Munich striker scored more than one goal for the 13th time in his Three Lions career. His brace in Riga beat Nat Lofthouse's record of 12 times achieving the feat, and took the 32-year-old to 76 England goals in 110 appearances. The Three Lions' record goalscorer looks set also to become record appearance maker before too long.
Kane double seals another spot in the history books
Kane’s latest record was reported following victory in Latvia. He continues his impeccable record for England, which has only become better under Tuchel. He has struck seven goals in seven games under the German, linking up well with his former Bayern manager to continue his record-breaking form in front of goal.
Kane has at times been criticised for England in recent major tournaments, though, particularly in Euro 2024 when his off-ball work was seen as a hindrance to the team. The Three Lions reached the final and Kane was joint Golden Boot winner with three goals, but there were still some fans who called for a new face in attack.
Just over 12 months on, Kane is in as good a run of form as he has ever been. He has begun the new season for the German champions in scintillating fashion, scoring 18 goals and laying on another three assists in just 10 matches.
He won the European Golden Shoe after scoring 36 Bundesliga goals in his debut campaign in 2023-24, and currently looks set to be in a tense battle with Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland for this season’s award. Kane truly is on top of his game.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportEngland captain speaks after thumping Latvia victory
Kane said after the game, in which England secured World Cup qualification with two matches to go: "Another tournament! I said it before, we make it look easy but these games can be tough.
"These groups can be tough and we have to be fully focused in every game we play and I thought today we were at a very high level. We talk about no matter who we play, setting a high standard to keep the momentum we've built and I think that showed this week.
"Qualifying with two games to go is a great achievement. Zero goals conceded and we're playing some great football. We can only take care of the opposition in front of us and we've done that very well so far.
"I'd say [I’m feeling good], the numbers are, obviously. The way I'm feeling on the pitch seeing the passes and the runs, physically I'm in a good place and hopefully I can keep it going."
Competition for places and away support also hot topics
"You want competition in every place, every position and I think we have that," Kane continued. "We've still got some fantastic players who aren't here who will be itching to get back in the squad in November and we're going to need them as well.
"As we know, going up to major tournaments, there's going to be chop and change, we've got some fantastic players who aren't quite fit and should be fit next month. That's the competition, keep pushing each other and see where it takes us.
"I don't think you can question away support ever, the way they were tonight was fantastic. We've qualified for another major tournament, and we know the England fans enjoy going out. America's going to be a special place to play in and we've got something to look forward to now, so credit to them for travelling out here and showing the noise they did."
Getty Images SportKane and England prepare for North American summer
Kane and England will now look forward to November’s international break, knowing their qualification is now secured and Tuchel will have the chance to try out new faces and truly get to grips with all the talented players he has at his disposal. With the likes of Jude Bellingham and Cole Palmer still to return to the set-up and young stars such as Adam Wharton waiting for their chance to make an impression, it is an exciting time for the Three Lions.
As for Kane, he has undoubtedly silenced his critics with his recent form for both club and country. With the former Tottenham Hotspur hero still on the top of his game, the Three Lions have a much better chance of going all the way next summer. If Tuchel’s side are to make the World Cup a special one, captain Kane looks set to be right at the centre of it all.
