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Harry Kane makes history again as England clinches 2026 World Cup berth
Harry Kane. Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Harry Kane makes history again as England clinches 2026 World Cup berth

Harry Kane continued to etch his name deeper into England’s soccer history books as Thomas Tuchel’s side sealed its place at the 2026 World Cup with a commanding 5-0 victory over Latvia in Riga.

The win extended England’s unbeaten qualifying run and confirmed its spot among the first European nations to book a ticket to North America next summer.

Tuchel’s men have now won six from six, scoring 18 goals without conceding, a mark of their dominance throughout the campaign.

Kane once again led by example, netting twice, including one from the penalty spot, to take his international tally to 76 goals in 110 appearances. His brace not only highlighted his enduring importance to the national team but also saw him break yet another set of milestones.

Yet another record-breaking night for Kane

According to Squawka, Kane now holds the record for the most England goals scored while playing for a non-English club (18), surpassing Gary Lineker’s long-standing mark of 17 set during his spell with Barcelona from 1986-89.

The England captain’s relentless goal-scoring form since joining Bayern Munich has been nothing short of remarkable. Now 32, Kane is arguably in the form of his life, already netting 21 goals for club and country this season in just 13 games.

He has carried his prolific Bundesliga touch seamlessly into international duty, continuing to deliver in competitive fixtures where others often falter.

Beyond the headlines of qualification, this latest record adds another layer to Kane’s glittering resume, further cementing his status as one of England’s greatest-ever strikers.

As noted by Playmaker Stats, Kane has now recorded 13 matches in which he has scored two or more goals for England, more than any player in the nation’s history. That tally edges him past Nat Lofthouse (12), with Gary Lineker and Wayne Rooney (10 each) next in line.

For Tuchel’s squad, the result in Riga showcased both dominance and depth. While England’s collective strength, particularly in defense, continues to impress, its captain remains the defining figure in attack.

Already the country’s all-time leading scorer, Kane has evolved into a symbol of consistency and leadership, performing at the highest level both domestically and internationally.

As England looks ahead to 2026, the Three Lions’ hopes of finally lifting silverware will once again rest on the shoulders of a record-breaking striker who simply refuses to stop making history.

Matt Evans

Matt Evans is a sports journalist from the United Kingdom, now based in Paris, France. He has covered various sports including basketball, soccer, boxing, MMA, and motorsports.  Over the past decade, Matt has focused heavily on the NBA and has worked with many established outlets on a variety of content

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