World Cup: Record-chaser Kane leading England's bid for glory

Kane heads into England’s blockbuster quarter-final against France just one goal behind Three Lions record scorer Wayne Rooney.

PHOTO: EPA-EFE

DOHA - Harry Kane is on the brink of becoming England’s record goalscorer, but the unselfish star would happily swop that historic landmark for the chance to lead his country to World Cup glory.

The striker heads into England’s blockbuster quarter-final against world champions France on Saturday just one goal behind Three Lions record scorer Wayne Rooney.

He netted for the first time in the Qatar World Cup in the 3-0 last-16 win over Senegal on Sunday, taking his career England goal tally to 52.

The 29-year-old also moved past Gary Lineker as England’s all-time leading scorer at major tournaments with 11 goals.

England boss Gareth Southgate was relieved to see Kane end any doubts about his form, saying: “Any centre forward wants to get off the mark, and of course for him, it stops all the questions.”

Having won the Golden Boot at the 2018 World Cup with six goals in England’s run to the semi-finals, Kane already knows his vast value to the team.

But his maturity and selfless nature have also been vital ingredients to England’s success as he has adapted to a new role that may deliver fewer goals but helps teammates like Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka shine.

Southgate noted Kane’s crucial contribution against Senegal as the Tottenham Hotspur striker dropped into pockets of space in midfield to connect with Jude Bellingham and open up the supply lines to Foden and Saka on the flanks.

It was Kane’s precise pass to Bellingham that allowed the teenager to provide the assist for Jordan Henderson’s opening goal against Senegal.

“He started to find a bit more space in the second half and his link-up play was better as well, so it was important for him and for us,” Southgate said.

Although Kane is a fairly quiet figure on the pitch, Saka revealed his captain is not shy about delivering a pre-match rallying cry.

“Harry is a leader. On the pitch he leads by example with his game and he is one of the most vocal in the changing room. Before every game he does a speech to get us all going,” he said.

Kane’s World Cup campaign briefly appeared under threat when he needed a scan on an ankle injury suffered during England’s 6-2 rout of Iran in their tournament opener.

But he started against the United States and Wales, then got off the mark against Senegal despite taking a fearsome whack from Abdou Diallo in the early stages.