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– Harry Kane described becoming England’s all-time top scorer with 54 goals as “a magical moment” that “means everything”.
– The Tottenham striker scored a first-half penalty as Gareth Southgate’s side won in Italy for the first time since 1961.
– Kane’s strike meant he moved ahead of Wayne Rooney in England’s all-time top scorer charts.
Also Read: King Kane leads 10-man England to narrow win over Italy
– “It means everything,” the 29-year-old said.
– “I was so excited to put the England shirt on and get back out here and get the campaign started for next year’s Euros.
– “It had to be a penalty and once it hit the back of the net, huge emotion. A magical moment.”
– Former Manchester United striker Rooney, who had held the record since 2015, was one of the first people to congratulate Kane.
– He tweeted: “Congratulations to Harry Kane on becoming England’s all-time leading goalscorer.
– “I knew it wouldn’t take long but that was quick. Great man, unbelievable goalscorer and an England legend.”
Congratulations to @HKane on becoming @England’s all-time leading goalscorer. I knew it wouldn’t take long but that was quick 🤣. Great man, unbelievable goalscorer and an England legend. Congrats Harry 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/mX7M8S8al3
— Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) March 23, 2023
– In response, Kane told Channel 4: “I was on the pitch when Wayne broke the record. I know what it meant to him and I was so proud of him.
– “I remember when I gave him the boot for breaking the record he said he would be giving it back to me one day. A special man.”
An emotional moment in the #ThreeLions dressing room. ❤️
What an achievement, @HKane. pic.twitter.com/a1bQT2zDHx
— England (@England) March 23, 2023
– Kane had equalled Rooney’s record with a goal in their 2022 World Cup quarter-final defeat by France – and missed a penalty in that game that would have given him the record outright.
– But he managed it in his next game for Gareth Southgate’s side in Naples, scoring from the spot before England held on for a 2-1 win.
– Southgate paid tribute to Kane’s strength of character to break the record with a penalty after his miss against France.
– “To break the record in the manner he did given the recent history is an indication of his strength of character and mentality,” he said.
– “I couldn’t be happier for him and his family, he is a brilliant professional.”
– Kane added: “Just a great night, we haven’t won in Italy for so long and to score and win, so special.
– “The World Cup was a difficult way to end but we spoke this week about getting back to it. We are one of the best teams in Europe. Getting this win shows we are ready for the challenge.”
"I didn't even dream of doing something like this."
Words from our all-time record goalscorer, @HKane! pic.twitter.com/QivOJ5Cr7S
— England (@England) March 23, 2023
– Kane is now the record goalscorer for both England and club side Tottenham.
– He has achieved the record for the Three Lions at a sensational rate, his 54 goals coming in just 81 appearances.
– Kane now leads a group of six Englishmen to have scored more than 40 international goals. Of those, only Jimmy Greaves scored his at a faster rate – one every 1.3 games, compared with Kane’s 1.5.
– Sir Bobby Charlton, with 49 goals, held the record for 45 years until he was surpassed by Rooney eight years ago.
