Kane: It means everything to be England's top scorer

Harry Kane says “it means everything” to become England’s record goalscorer after his strike in Thursday’s 2-1 victory over Italy.

The Tottenham Hotspur star struck for the 54th time in 81 appearances for his country, putting him ahead of Wayne Rooney, who hit 53 goals in 120 matches for the Three Lions.

Kane broke the national record with a first-half penalty, in his first match for England since his costly missed spot-kick against France in the FIFA World Cup 2022 quarter-finals.

“It means everything,” said Kane. “It had to be a penalty and once it hit the back of the net, huge emotion. A magical moment.

“I was on the pitch when Wayne broke the record. I know what it meant to him and I was so proud of him. I remember when I gave him the boot for breaking the record he said he would be giving it back to me one day. A special man."

Kane’s England record comes just seven weeks after he became Spurs’ all-time leading goalscorer, netting his 267th goal for the club in a 1-0 win over Manchester City to beat Jimmy Greaves’ tally.

“I don’t like to look too far in the future but I’m 29, I’m feeling fit and strong - the best I’ve felt in my career," Kane added. "I hope I have many more years.

“Playing for England is probably my greatest feeling in football. I want to do it as long as possible and as a striker I want to score in every game. Hopefully there will be many more.”