England captain Harry Kane says he feels better than ever as he aims to carry his extraordinary form into the next stage of the World Cup after a dramatic victory over Congo DR.
Key takeaways
- Kane believes his current physical and mental state is the strongest of his career as he looks to keep his run going.
- His late double against Congo DR helped England recover from being behind to win 2-1 and secure progression to the knockout round.
- The forward’s 86th-minute goal helped him reach 72 strikes in the 2025-26 season across club and country, putting him just behind Lionel Messi’s 2011-12 total.
- England’s next match in the round of 16 is scheduled against co-hosts Mexico.
- Anthony Gordon hailed Kane as the standout player England has had, praising his consistency and ability to create chances from any position.
Kane’s World Cup breakthrough and knockout draw
Kane played a decisive role on Wednesday night as England kept their World Cup hopes alive. With his team trailing, he struck late to complete a brace, driving Thomas Tuchel’s side to a 2-1 comeback win over Congo DR.
That result sent England into the round of 16, where they will face co-hosts Mexico. The pivotal moment came when Kane found the net in the 86th minute, completing a finish that swung the game in England’s favour after Congo DR had taken the lead.
Record pace in 2025-26 and Bayern success
The 32-year-old’s goal haul continues to stack up at an astonishing rate. His late strike brought his tally to 72 goals for club and country in the 2025-26 campaign, placing him second only to Lionel Messi, whose 82-goal season in 2011-12 remains the benchmark.
Speaking on the latest episode of the Lion’s Den, Kane said: “This season for me, 72 goals so far and hopefully a few more to go, is I think almost 20 more than I’ve ever reached in my career to date and I’ve had some pretty good seasons up until now.”
He added: “I’ve had some good moments but in terms of how I feel right now, I think just from an overall package, I feel as good as I’ve ever felt going onto the pitch.”
Before traveling to the World Cup, Kane helped Bayern Munich retain their Bundesliga title and also lift the DFK-Pokal. Across that season in Germany, he scored 61 goals, extending his momentum into international competition.
Confidence, tournament preparation and Gordon’s praise
Kane said his finishing confidence comes regardless of the scenario. “No matter the situation, no matter what kind of chance I get, I feel like I can score goals,” he stated. “I just think there’s a mixture of everything coming together at the right time.”
He also highlighted the fine margins that influence success at major tournaments, noting the need for a degree of fortune and for players to be in the right physical condition. “Going into major tournaments you need to have a little bit of luck to go your way, to physically be in the shape that you want to be and it’s not always easy when you come off the back of tough seasons and stuff. This year has been pleasing from that point of view.”
Kane concluded by focusing on the next fixture as the schedule intensifies. “For me it’s just about the next one. I’m in a good space. I just want the next game to be there and it’s kind of a good thing the games are coming thick and fast now.”
Anthony Gordon, who assisted both of Kane’s goals against Congo DR, described his teammate as the best to wear the England shirt. “This season’s only been beaten by Messi and when you actually put it like that, it’s outrageous,” Gordon said. “Lionel Messi’s the best ever. There’s only one of him, and second behind him, there can’t be any more of a compliment than that.”
Gordon went on to stress the rarity of Kane’s output and the level of consistency behind it. “What he’s doing this season is something we haven’t seen before, no English player has ever done it. He’s unbelievable, his consistency every day, his ability to get a shot off from any angle is the best I’ve ever seen.”
He finished by urging England fans to properly appreciate Kane’s contribution. “I think as a country we probably need to appreciate him a lot more than we do because he’s the best to ever wear an England shirt.”
