Harry Kane transformed from an invisible first half into England's all-time leading goal scorer at the World Cup, netting his 11th career goal on the global stage to surpass Gary Lineker's record.
After touching the ball the fewest times of any player in the opening 45 minutes against Panama on Saturday (Sunday AEST) to conclude group play, Kane needed one decisive header to etch his name in history.
In the 67th minute, he scored his 11th World Cup goal to break a tie with Gary Lineker for the most by an English player on football's biggest stage.
Tuchel Praises Kane's Record
"It's fantastic that he has the chance to break this record in a World Cup when it really matters," coach Thomas Tuchel said after England beat Panama 2-0 to win their group. "Everyone's very happy for Harry because he's a fantastic teammate. That makes it very special. He's loved by everyone, respected by everyone."
Jude Bellingham, who scored minutes earlier to ease the tension building on the field and among the red-and-white clad fans, provided the pass to Kane. The striker outjumped Andres Andrade and headed the ball past diving goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera.
"Jude with a great bit of play and a great cross," Kane said. "He kind of just hung it up, and I was kind of waiting for that one throughout the game — just to get across my man there — and it was nice to see it go in."
Chemistry with Bellingham
The goal showcased the chemistry Bellingham and Kane built over several years playing together. "It's quite easy to play with him," Bellingham said. "He's at a level at the minute that's just incredible. You don't doubt him at all in terms of whether he's involved, whether he's not. You know he's going to make a difference in the game, and he did again."
There seemed to be doubt at halftime, when Kane was a non-factor with just 10 touches and England were never close to scoring. Down the road in Philadelphia, Croatia's lead over Ghana added to the pressure.
But England came out with far more energy after the break, and the soon-to-be 33-year-old striker was a key part of the improvement, securing a victory that appeared more convincing on the scoreboard than it felt for much of the match.
Kane's Legacy
The goal was Kane's 82nd for England internationally, extending his own record. Teammate Jordan Henderson, now at his fourth World Cup, recalled Kane scoring twice in the opener against Croatia to match Lineker and mistakenly thought this mark was already solely Kane's.
"It seems with age, he's just continued," Henderson said. "He's smashing records everywhere he goes and scores so many goals. He's been an incredible player so far for England and continues. He's still got a long way to go. But, yeah, he deserves everything he gets. He's been an incredible player, an incredible teammate and delighted for him to be able to get that record."
Bellingham considers Kane England's best player of all time, "the one who's showed up more than anyone, more than any England player."
Kane even scored with another icon, David Beckham, watching from the stands. Beckham's face flashed on video screens to massive cheers.
"Obviously another proud one to reach, for sure, No. 11," said Kane, who now has three goals this tournament. "I hope it's not the last this tournament."
