Kane scored twice in England’s 4-2 victory over Croatia in Dallas on Wednesday, taking his World Cup tally to 10 goals and drawing level with Lineker as the country's joint-highest scorer in the competition's history.
The Bayern Munich forward reached the milestone at his third World Cup, having previously represented England in Russia in 2018 and Qatar in 2022. His latest achievement further strengthens his status as one of the most prolific players ever to wear the national team shirt.
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Lineker congratulated Kane on matching his record and suggested that the England skipper has surpassed every striker the country has produced.
“Welcome to the double-figures club. It's great. I mean, it may have taken him a World Cup more,” ex-Match of the Day presenter Lineker joked.
The former striker quickly turned serious as he reflected on Kane’s qualities and contribution to English football.
“In all seriousness, Harry Kane is, I think, the greatest English striker we've ever had. I genuinely think that now.”
Kane’s two goals against Croatia once again highlighted his importance to England. The 32-year-old opened the scoring from a retaken penalty before powering home a header shortly before halftime to restore his side’s advantage.
The goals also increased his overall international tally to 81 goals in 115 appearances, extending his lead as England’s all-time leading goalscorer.
Lineker, who scored his 10 World Cup goals across the 1986 tournament in Mexico and the 1990 World Cup in Italy, said Kane’s influence goes far beyond his finishing ability.
“I'm absolutely delighted that Kane equalled my record,” Lineker continued. “His all-round game is, for me, what separates him from all the others.”
Former England captain Alan Shearer, another member of the podcast panel and one of the nation's most celebrated forwards, also backed Kane to break the record outright before the tournament ends.
“Harry Kane has seen Messi, Mbappe and Haaland all come on straight away and get the goals,” Shearer said.
“It's only a matter of time before he breaks your record.”
Kane’s performance came amid a series of standout displays from some of world football’s biggest stars. Argentina captain Lionel Messi grabbed a hat-trick against Algeria, France forward Kylian Mbappe netted twice against Senegal, while Norway’s Erling Haaland scored a brace in his side’s victory over Iran.
Meanwhile, England defender Harry Maguire, who was not included in Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the tournament, described Kane as one of the finest footballers in the world and praised both his leadership and professionalism.
“You can't speak highly enough of him. On the pitch, he's unbelievable, but, off the pitch, he's a massive leader,” Maguire said.
England will look to build on their winning start when they face Ghana in their second Group L fixture on June 23, with Kane expected to lead the charge once again as he chases another World Cup record and further cements his legacy in English football.