It’s often difficult to know you’re watching the makings of a legend, but Harry Kane’s 99 appearances in an England shirt place him among the greats – where he rightly belongs.
Wayne Rooney, David Beckham and Steven Gerrard – Kane will join an exclusive club of England superstars when he achieves his 100th cap on Tuesday. He already holds the mantle of England’s leading all-time goalscorer, but now the former Tottenham Hotspur striker will join the most prestigious hall of fame.
He’s played in a World Cup semi-final as well as back-to-back European Championship finals, but which is Kane’s most iconic moment in an England shirt?
90min have delved into the archives to answer just that.
When? July 3, 2021
England wiped the floor with Ukraine in the quarter-finals of Euro 2020, advancing to the final four of the tournament after a dramatic 4-0 victory.
It was Kane who stood out. He slotted a superb goal into the back of the net just four minutes into the fixture before heading home an outstanding cross from Luke Shaw shortly after half-time.
After receiving tons of criticism for his efforts in the group stage, Kane silenced all his doubters, while England maintained their record of not conceding a goal in the tournament.
When? 2018 World Cup
The 2018 World Cup was truly exceptional for England, and while they did not lift the coveted trophy at the end of the tournament, Kane went home with one of his best achievements to date.
The England captain was handed the World Cup Golden Boot award after successfully netting six goals in Russia. He became the first Englishman since Tommy Lawton in 1939 to score in six consecutive internationals, while all of his tournament goals came in his nation’s first four games.
Only one of his goals came from open play as Kane was unstoppable from the penalty spot, outscoring the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Cristiano Ronaldo.
When? June 29, 2021
Kane’s late goal against Germany in the round of 16 at Euro 2020 ended the nation’s 55-year wait for a knockout tie victory over Die Mannschaft and fired England into the quarter-finals.
A beautiful assist from Jack Grealish lined up perfectly for Kane, who headed past Manuel Neuer to secure his first goal of the tournament.
Kane truly came to life in this game, and it was at this moment that fans begin to wonder if England’s wait for a major trophy had finally come to an end.
When? March 23, 2023
England’s clash with Italy in their Euro 2024 qualifier will remain an unforgettable night for Kane – marking the moment he became the country’s all-time record goalscorer.
Kane’s goal, in the 44th minute, came after he beat Gianluigi Donnarumma from the penalty spot. The strike became his 54th England goal, replacing Wayne Rooney as the nation’s leading scorer.
It was an incredible achievement for the England man, and one that kick-started England’s journey to the Euro 2024 final in Berlin.
When? July 7, 2021
Kane’s winner against Denmark catapulted England to their first major men’s final in 55 years, and so it receives the trophy for his most iconic moment wearing the Three Lions badge.
The atmosphere at Wembley was like nothing this England team had ever experienced before – thunderous, threatening and electric. It was a true test of nerves for Kane, who had a penalty saved by Kasper Schmeichel before it fell back to his feet in time for him to score.
Kane’s exceptional effort saw England reach their first final since 1966, and while we now know how that final ended, coming that close to European success was breathtaking for fans across the country.
So Kudos, Kane – here’s to much more success.
