HARRY KANE could break the England men’s all-time appearance record in the 2026 World Cup final.
The Three Lions skipper became the 10th man to reach 100 caps on Tuesday night as he scored a brace in a 2-0 win over Finland at Wembley.
It leaves the Bayern Munich striker just 25 games short of Peter Shilton’s record of 125.
And he could eclipse that milestone on the grandest stage of all should England reach the World Cup final in two years time.
Lee Carsley’s side will play four more matches in the Nations League before the end of the year.
They will then play six or 10 matches in World Cup qualification – and will likely organise four friendlies if they are put in a smaller group.
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If Kane played in all of those games he would be on 114 caps heading into 2026 – where four friendlies would be lined up in the March and June international breaks.
Feature in each of those and Kane would be seven shy of Shilton’s record going into the World Cup – which is taking place in the US, Canada and Mexico.
That is providing England do not have to go through a play-off to get to the tournament.
Due to the expanded format from 32 to 48 teams, there is now a round of 32 in the World Cup knockouts.
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Most appearances for England men’s side
Peter Shilton – 125
Wayne Rooney – 120
David Beckham – 115
Steven Gerrard – 114
Bobby Moore – 108
Ashley Cole – 107
Sir Bobby Charlton/Frank Lampard – 106
Billy Wright – 105
Harry Kane – 100
This means seven games need to be played in order to reach the final.
So if Kane plays in all of England’s matches between now and then, he could break the appearance record in either the final or third-place play-off.
The final is scheduled to be played at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19, 2026.
By then he will almost certainly have moved further clear as England’s all-time top scorer.
Kane’s double against Finland took his tally to 68, 15 clear of second-place Wayne Rooney.
The closest active player to Kane’s record is Raheem Sterling on 20.
Asked about reaching 100 international goals, he said: “It is definitely possible. I am in a good place and this is a good target to try to reach.
“Some may see it as unrealistic but I would rather go for it and not quite make it than be comfortable saying, ‘I will be happy with 70 or 80 goals’.”
England ratings vs Finland: Kane bags double on his big day… but he’s not the Three Lions’ star man
TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD showed his brilliance as Harry Kane’s brace saw England beat Finland.
Interim boss Lee Carsley maintained his 100 per cent win record in charge of England.
SunSports Tom Barclay has given their ratings of the England players…
Jordan Pickford – 6
Had nothing to do.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – STAR MAN 9
England’s best player as he supplied some beautiful balls from deep that on another day would have led to a glut of assists.
He did get one in the end, although that was more thanks to Harry Kane’s lethal finishing.
Ezri Konsa – 6
Showed his ability on the ball with a super ball through for Bukayo Saka on the half hour.
Twisted his ankle early in the second half, surprisingly played on before being replaced on the hour.
John Stones – 6
Played at left-sided centre-back before shifting when Levi Colwill came on.
Solid though not much to deal with. Now 19 short of 100 caps.
Rico Lewis – 7
In the right place to snuff out early danger from ex-Norwich man Teemu Pukki.
Came close to a goal on his second England cap when prodding wide after the break.
Declan Rice – 5
Lost possession to give Finland their one and only big chance which Topi Kesinen should have squared to Pukki, but instead fired wildly over.
Angel Gomes – 7
Wanted the ball from the off, just like Lee Carsley thought he would. Deliciously drilled cross-field ball to Alexander-Arnold early doors showed his range.
Bukayo Saka – 7
Almost scored and almost assisted in a lively display.
Unlucky that Kane was millimetres offside after the centurion had headed home the Arsenal man’s wicked delivery.
Jack Grealish – 7
Enjoyed being in the heart of the action at No10 again, as he did on Saturday against the Republic of Ireland.
Carsley clearly likes him – it will be fascinating to see what happens when Mssrs Bellingham, Foden and Palmer all return.
Anthony Gordon – 7
Caused problems down the left with his rapid pace – how we needed some of that in the Euros.
But did not have on his shooting boots as he fluffed a decent chance early in the second half.
Harry Kane – 8
Two blistering finishes took the centurion to an astonishing 68 goals in 100 caps.
Was denied the chance of a hat-trick in front of his family when subbed off to a standing ovation for the final ten.
Kane said he fancies his chances of reaching a ton of international goals – and it does not seem fanciful.
SUBS
Levi Colwill (on for Konsa, 61) – 6
Next to no threat from Finland by the time he came on.
Eberechi Eze (on for Gordon, 66) – 6
Raced on to yet another special Trent pass but could not loop it over the keeper.
Noni Madueke (on for Saka, 66) – 7
Looked to make an impact every time he got the ball on debut. Excellent one-two with Trent saw the Chelsea man tee up Kane’s second.
Marc Guehi (on for Stones, 80) – 6
As with Colwill, little to do.
Jarrod Bowen (on for Kane, 81) – 6
Played up top after Kane went off for the final minutes, as he has done for West Ham.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
