Top News

Harry Kane has received backing to accomplish a milestone no English player has ever reached, with former England captain Terry Butcher explaining why the current skipper’s drive and longevity mirror that of Cristiano Ronaldo. The record-breaking forward could become the first Englishman to feature in four World Cup tournaments.

Kane has an opportunity to achieve what legends such as David Beckham, Wayne Rooney and others could not. No English international has ever represented the nation at FIFA’s premier tournament four times. Even members of the so-called ‘Golden Generation’—including Beckham, Steven Gerrard and Rooney—fell short of that mark. Kane, however, stands on the brink of rewriting history.

Having already appeared in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups—winning the Golden Boot in the former as England reached the semi-finals—Kane is once again expected to lead the line in 2026. The Tottenham Hotspur academy graduate, now at Bayern Munich, hopes to end England’s six-decade wait for a major trophy and cement his legacy as one of the game’s greats.

Currently, Kane has scored 81 goals for England and continues to close in on the 100-goal mark, with Peter Shilton’s record of 125 caps also within reach. His 61 goals for Bayern Munich during the 2025-26 season underline that he remains at the peak of his powers. Despite approaching his 33rd birthday, the prolific striker shows no signs of slowing down.

With football icons Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo still performing well into their late 30s and early 40s, many believe Kane could follow a similar path. England fans may well see their captain at the 2030 World Cup.

When asked whether Kane could realistically make it to another World Cup, former England defender Butcher—speaking as part of Domino’s ‘Shirtiette’ campaign—told GOAL: “No-one’s ever played in four World Cup finals for England, have they?

“This is Ronaldo’s sixth one. Lionel Messi’s sixth as well. Maybe not six for Harry, but definitely another one. At Bayern Munich, even though the league isn’t quite as competitive as the Premier League, he’s scoring freely, creating chances, and doing everything required of him.”

Butcher went on to praise Kane’s professionalism and character, adding: “He’s just a likeable lad. Everyone loves him because he’s straightforward and honest. If he wins the World Cup for England or helps the team achieve that, he can retire whenever he wants.

“Like Ronaldo, he’s got that hunger to keep going. I wish I could have done the same, but injuries caught up with me. That’s what happens to many players. But Harry’s preparation, his discipline, even things like having his own chef—he’s the perfect professional.

“I’m sure he’ll play in a fourth World Cup. The concern is who can replace him. He’s set the bar so high for future forwards. That’s fantastic for English football.”

Kane’s international career began in March 2015, when he scored on debut. He has maintained remarkably consistent standards since then, surpassing Wayne Rooney’s record of 53 England goals in March 2023. Asked whether Kane’s record might ever be broken, Butcher replied: “I don’t think it will. Strikers today are very different from Harry.

“You want them to be great finishers, but also to contribute like Harry does, dropping deep and linking play. We haven’t got anyone close to him right now. Hopefully, future generations will produce players capable of that level for England.”

Butcher continued: “He’s miles ahead of everyone else. The game has changed, but he’s adapted brilliantly. Whatever challenges come, he processes them, adjusts, and stays the best. That’s his strength.”

Kane and England will return to action on Saturday when they face Panama at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, aiming for top spot in Group L and a place in the last 32 of the 2026 World Cup.

As fans prepare for the summer of football, Domino’s has launched the ‘Shirtiette’—a novelty football shirt made from serviette material—so supporters can wear their food and drink stains with pride. The pizza brand is giving away free limited-edition England and Scotland ‘Shirtiettes’, designed to absorb spills during goal celebrations, penalty drama, or VAR controversies. Supporters can claim theirs at www.dominosshirtiette.com.