Is Harry Kane the best England player of all time? Three Lions goal leaders

Editor's note: Follow for live updates on England-Norway World Cup showdown!

England is a country rich with football history.

The Three Lions won the 1966 World Cup on home soil. They are only one of six sides to win the title as a host nation.

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They have been in 17 World Cups and are currently on an eight-tournament streak.

England also made back-to-back appearances in the European Championship final in the 2021 and 2024 competitions.

The country's record books are littered with iconic names not only for England, but in all of the beautiful game, including Wayne Rooney, Bobby Charlton and David Beckham.

Harry Kane has inserted himself in England's history. He won the Golden Boot with the most goals at the 2018 World Cup. The captain has six goals in this summer's tournament heading into the quarterfinals match against Norway on Saturday, July 11.

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Harry Kane becomes England's all-time leading scorer. See the moment in pictures

When pondering football greatness, goals is usually the benchmark used to measure. Kane stacks up nicely and became England's all-time World Cup goal leader in group play of the 2026 tournament.

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Another statistic that is considered is how many times a player has appeared for the national team. Again, Kane fares well. He is tied with Rooney as the most-capped player for the Three Lions who is not a goalkeeper.

So is Harry Kane England's greatest player of all time?

England all-time scoring leaders

Entering 2026 World Cup quarterfinals:

Harry Kane – 85 (2015-present)

Wayne Rooney – 53 (2003-2018)

Bobby Charlton – 49 (1958-1970)

Gary Lineker – 48 (1984-1992)

Jimmy Greaves – 44 (1959-1967)

Michael Owen – 40 (1998-2008)

Nat Lofthouse – 30 (1950-1958)

Alan Shearer – 30 (1992-2000)

Tom Finney – 30 (1946-1958)

Frank Lampard – 29 (1999-2014)

Vivian Woodward – 29 (1903-1911)

England all-time appearances

Peter Shilton – 125 (1970-1990)

Harry Kane – 120 (2015-present)

Wayne Rooney – 120 (2003-2018)

David Beckham – 115 (1996-2009)

Steven Gerrard – 114 (2000-2014)

Bobby Moore – 108 (1962-1973)

Ashley Cole – 107 (2001-2014)

Bobby Charlton – 106 (1958-1970)

Frank Lampard – 106 (1999-2014)

Billy Wright – 105 (1946-1959)

Kyle Walker – 96 (2011-2026)

Bryan Robson – 90 (1980-1991)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is Harry Kane the best England player of all time? Three Lions goal leaders

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