Whatever the outcome, this World Cup will be remembered by England fans as the one where Harry Kane finally took over on the international stage.
It has been a record-breaking year for Kane for club and country. His exploits at this tournament have seen him take top spot in England’s all-time top scorers at the World Cup.
And as soon as he stepped on the pitch against Argentina, he broke another one.
Like a fine wine, Kane keeps getting better with age, and it’s that longevity that has put him in the history books once again.
Which England duo were the most talented: Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane or Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard?
Jude and Kane have just carried the Three Lions to a World Cup QF!
Harry Kane becomes England’s record outfield appearance maker vs Argentina
Hopefully this isn’t Kane’s standout feat this evening, but his 121st outing for England takes him ahead of Wayne Rooney as the most capped outfielder in the country’s history (Opta).
There’s no denying he hasn’t always been the most reliable on the international stage, but this 2026 World Cup campaign will be the one he’s remembered for.
Rooney, too, was never lauded for his England exploits. But while he never managed to hit his highest level at a major tournament, Kane has undoubtedly done so in North America.
The outright record is still there for the taking. Legendary England goalkeeper Peter Shilton sits four ahead on 125 caps.
Kane won’t get there before the tournament’s end, but there has been nothing to suggest he won’t be back in the squad for the Nations League later this year.
The debate around England’s best ever player can go many different ways, but if the Three Lions were to win the World Cup this weekend, his name would be hard to ignore.
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