Harry Kane admitted he is not yet able to commit to playing in the next World Cup.
The England captain suffered more major tournament heartbreak on Wednesday as the Three Lions were dumped out of the World Cup by Argentina.
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Anthony Gordon put Thomas Tuchel’s side in front before two late goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez.
Immediately after the game, a dejected Kane was asked whether the 2030 World Cup is in his plans.
The 32-year-old, who became England’s most-capped outfield player last night, responded: “It’s still too early to say. I take it year by year and see how I feel.
“I love playing for England. But of course, four years is a long time. Then again, you can see someone like [Lionel] Messi still performing at the highest level even at an older age.
“I honestly don’t know. Right now, I just need to process this elimination.
“We gave everything we had, but in the end, it wasn’t enough.”
How likely is Kane to play at the next World Cup?
Kane will be 36 when the next World Cup rolls around – which is still significantly younger than Messi – who continues to inspire Argentina at the age of 39.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner created both goals for the Albiceleste in Atlanta and remains the joint-top scorer at this World Cup alongside Kylian Mbappe with eight goals.
Cristiano Ronaldo competed in North America aged 41, although the Portugal legend struggled to leave his mark on the tournament as his nation crashed out in the last-16.
Midfield icon Luka Modric played for Croatia at the age of 40 as they bowed out in the round of 32.
Oldest outfield players at 2026 World Cup
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, Forward) – 41
- Luka Modric (Croatia, Midfielder) – 40
- Edin Dzeko (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Forward) – 40
- Yuto Nagatomo (Japan, Defender) – 39
- Lionel Messi (Argentina, Forward) – 38
- Tim Ream (USA, Defender) – 38
- Alberto Quintero (Panama, Midfielder) – 38
- Nicolas Otamendi (Argentina, Defender) – 38
- Stopira (Cabo Verde, Defender) – 38
- Michael Boxall (New Zealand, Defender) – 37
*Ages when tournament began on June 11
Kane has previously spoken about his ambition to have a long career and follow the example set by legends like Ronaldo.
The Bayern Munich striker is known for his dedication, following a strict regime when it comes to nutrition and fitness.
What else did Kane say?
England boss Tuchel has been heavily criticised for applying the handbrake as soon as the Three Lions went in front.
Kane said: “Gutted for the boys, gutted for everyone – the team, the staff, the fans.
“We played a good game, the large majority of it. When we went 1-0 up we seemed to try and hold on, which at this level is not enough.
“So, just gutted because we’ve worked so hard to be here and the lads have given every last bit of running, blood, sweat, tears. To fall short is just gutting.”
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On his side’s late collapse, Kane added: “We struggled to get pressure on the ball.
“Especially first half and start of the second half, we pressed them well, we put them under loads of pressure high up the pitch which then allowed us to win balls and control the game a bit better.
“After the goal, whether it was them putting more men forward or us not being able to match them man for man, it was just wave after wave.
“Lads were putting blocks in but, in the end, it just wasn’t enough.”
