HARRY Kane headed home Jude Bellingham’s cross in the 67th minute against Panama on 27 June, and a record that had stood since Lineker walked off the pitch at Italia 1990 went with it. That wasn’t even the most striking piece of England history made that night. Across the group stage, this England squad has broken more records than most Three Lions generations manage in a career. England are set to play Mexico in the Round of 16, and supporters placing a Mexico vs England bet will be hoping this record-breaking form carries straight through to the knockout stage.
Harry Kane breaks England’s World Cup goal record
Gary Lineker scored 10 World Cup goals across two tournaments. Six at Mexico 1986. Four at Italia 1990. For 36 years, no England forward came close.
Kane matched the tally with two goals in the Croatia opener, then cleared it against Panama with a header from Bellingham’s delivery. His 11th World Cup goal puts him level with Jurgen Klinsmann and Sandor Kocsis in the all-time charts for most World Cup goals by any player, not just England’s. He’s also the second England men’s player to score at three different World Cups, joining David Beckham, who managed it across 1998, 2002, and 2006. Anyone looking to bet on sports will find plenty to consider before England’s next outing, with a captain still adding to a tally that keeps rewriting the record books.
Kane’s captaincy record
This tournament was Kane’s third consecutive World Cup as England captain, matching Billy Wright’s feat from 1950, 1954, and 1958. Before this summer, Wright was the only England skipper to lead the team at three successive World Cups. Kane is now alongside him.
Jude Bellingham becomes the youngest European player to appear at four major tournaments
Bellingham started against Croatia on 17 June and became the youngest European player in history to appear at four major international tournaments, at 22 years and 353 days old. Germany’s Jamal Musiala had set that record just four days earlier at 23 years and 108 days – Bellingham overtook him before the tournament was a week old.
His four tournaments are Euro 2020, the 2022 World Cup, Euro 2024, and the 2026 World Cup. He has also made 51 senior appearances for England before turning 23, becoming the youngest Three Lions player to reach a half centennial.
Jordan Henderson becomes England’s first player at seven major tournaments
Henderson came on in the 84th minute against Panama and became the first player in England history to represent the Three Lions at seven major tournaments. His full list is Euro 2012, 2014 World Cup, Euro 2016, 2018 World Cup, Euro 2020, 2022 World Cup, and 2026 World Cup. He also became the first England player to appear at four World Cups.
He went past Sol Campbell, Wayne Rooney and Harry Kane, each of whom reached six. At 36, still getting minutes under Thomas Tuchel, he’s built a record that future England players will need a very long international career just to chase.
Marcus Rashford equalled a Guinness World Record
During the Ghana draw on 23 June, Guinness World Records confirmed that Rashford equalled the second-most substitute appearances in World Cup history, coming off the bench for the ninth time to draw level with Germany’s Oliver Neuville.
Article written by Emily Rickard
