Recency bias aside, there is a mighty strong argument to suggest Harry Kane is England’s greatest ever player, whether he lifts the World Cup or not.
We might even need to ask where he ranks among the country’s best sportspeople.
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But recency bias no longer aside, it is important to remember that the likes of Bobby Charlton and Bobby Moore did not play cricket.
There is perhaps one thing Kane can do to separate himself and confirm his status as the GOAT…
Return to the Premier League and break Alan Shearer’s goalscoring record.
Where does Kane stand?
Kane is England’s leading goalscorer in history by a country mile.
With 85 goals in 120 games, the 32-year-old is 32 clear of Wayne Rooney in second place.
Kane is comfortably the Three Lions’ most prolific player in history at major tournaments, with 21 of those goals scored at the Euros or the World Cup, including six in North America this summer.
He might even have another four-year cycle in the tank given his incredible dedication – and the lack of any truly exceptional English strikers coming through behind him.
There is a danger that his captaincy gets remembered as the era when England nearly ended their major trophy drought.
But if they get over the line at this World Cup, with Argentina and Spain standing in their way, Kane will be a candidate for the Ballon d’Or and a knighthood.
There would be no better England career in history than the Tottenham legend’s if those things happen.
England’s leading goalscorers
- Harry Kane – 85 goals (120 appearances)
- Wayne Rooney – 53 goals (120 appearances)
- Sir Bobby Charlton – 49 goals (106 appearances)
- Gary Lineker – 48 goals (80 appearances)
- Jimmy Greaves – 44 goals (57 appearances)
- Michael Owen – 40 goals (89 appearances)
- Sir Tom Finney – 30 goals (76 appearances)
- Nat Lofthouse – 30 goals (33 appearances)
- Alan Shearer – 30 goals (63 appearances)
- Frank Lampard – 29 goals (106 appearances)
What about domestically?
Kane is still a certified Premier League legend despite never winning the title, establishing himself as Tottenham’s record goalscorer.
He has even become one of the greatest strikers in Bundesliga history since leaving Spurs for Bayern Munich, obliterating a number of German football records and finally claiming some silverware.
But let’s play devil’s advocate.
With 260 Premier League goals, 47 more than Kane, can Shearer still claim to be the greatest English striker in history?
Some would say no. But those who say yes would have no argument if Kane returned to English football for the final years of his club career.
The England captain’s current deal with Bayern Munich expires at the end of this upcoming season.
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Talks are set to continue after the World Cup, with the German champions hopeful Kane will sign a new deal.
However, eSPORTY understands Barcelona have already tested Kane’s resolve by approaching his representatives over the possibility of a move.
And should Kane become available for free next summer, you don’t need a transfer journalist to tell you that Premier League clubs would be interested.
If Kane wins the World Cup, returns to England on a free, and gives himself two or three seasons to score 48 goals and win a Premier League title, then there could be absolutely no doubt.
He is the greatest English sportsperson in history.
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