Harry Kane became England’s most-capped men’s player by making his 126th appearance in a UEFA Nations League fixture against Croatia on Thursday.
The milestone arrived just two weeks after Kane won the 2026 Ballon d’Or following a standout year with Bayern Munich and the national team. He surpassed former goalkeeper Peter Shilton, who held the previous mark of 125 caps from 1970 to 1990. Kane is also England’s all-time leading goalscorer with 91 goals, having overtaken Wayne Rooney’s record of 53 in March 2023.
Where Kane Ranks Among All-Time England Greats
Assessing Kane’s standing alongside the Three Lions’ historical figures involves balancing individual statistics with longevity and impact on the national team. Alongside Kane, the national team’s pantheon includes legendary figures who defined different eras of English football.
Sir Bobby Charlton survived the Munich air disaster on February 6, 1958, which claimed 23 lives including eight players and three staff members, before returning to win three league titles and star for Manchester United. Gary Lineker previously called him England’s greatest ever player, remarking that wherever he went in the world, even if people did not speak the language, they knew two words: Bobby Charlton.
“England’s greatest ever player,” Lineker previously told BBC Radio 5 Live.
Gary Lineker, verified role not provided
Defensive anchor Bobby Moore captained England to that same 1966 World Cup triumph at Wembley. Billy Wright captained England 90 times, a record he shared with Bobby Moore until Harry Kane recently surpassed the pair. Wright was a true one-club man, winning three league titles, the FA Cup, and becoming unofficial world champions with Wolves in 1954 before finishing as the Ballon d’Or runner-up to Alfredo di Stefano in 1957.
Gordon Banks earned 73 caps between 1963 and 1972, spending the majority of his career at Leicester and Stoke and winning a League Cup with each. Pelé lauded the net-minder, describing him as a magical goalkeeper, while his exceptional agility and fast reactions led to FIFA honoring him as the sport’s finest keeper across five consecutive years spanning 1966 to 1971.
Wayne Rooney burst onto the scene as an 18-year-old at Euro 2004, later winning every honor with Manchester United and becoming the club’s all-time top scorer while piping his club-record 249 goals for the Old Trafford outfit. Rooney finished his 15-year England career with 53 goals from 120 caps.
Gary Lineker scored 48 goals in 80 games for England, coming within one goal of Bobby Charlton’s elusive goal record when his international career ended after Euro 92 following a spell taking penalties.
Jude Bellingham, the former Birmingham and Dortmund man who does not turn 24 until June, has already collected 61 England caps and netted 14 times, with 10 of those goals coming at major tournaments.
Roy Keane said that Bellingham has the potential to be one of the greatest of all time, pointing to standout moments like his last-gasp overhead kick against Slovakia in 2024, a quickfire double at the Azteca against Mexico, and a 93rd-minute quarter-final winner against Norway.
Kane Reflects on His Greatest England Moments
Asked where the match will rank among his best England moments, Kane said that it is definitely up there as the biggest, showcasing consistency at the highest level.
“It’s definitely up there as the biggest. I think it showcases consistency at the highest level.”
Harry Kane
He mentioned a 3-2 thriller against Mexico at the Estadio Azteca featuring a decisive penalty from him, alongside a 2-1 comeback victory against DR Congo where he netted both goals.
Kane said that from the recent World Cup, the DR Congo game was an incredible experience to help the team through a knockout game and to score two goals.
Now 33 years old and maintaining superb form for both club and country, Kane is expected to extend his records for England appearances and goals in the near future.
“To win a team trophy for England, a major trophy, is my biggest dream,” Kane said.
Harry Kane
Kane added that while individual accolades are incredible, they are ultimately a consequence of trying to make the team better. With Bayern Munich, winning the Champions League remains an aim alongside his international goals, noting that he is surrounded by great teams at his club and country for what he hopes is an exciting time ahead.
