Harry Kane on 'magical moment' he became England's record goalscorer

On a memorable night in Naples, Harry Kane reflected on the moment he became England’s new record goalscorer.

The Three Lions captain scored his 54th senior international goal to not only surpass Wayne Rooney’s record of 53, but also fire England to victory in their opening EURO 2024 qualifier over Italy.

And the striker couldn’t hide his emotion at full time, after England had to dig deep in the second half to take three valuable points as the road to Germany next summer gets underway.

“It means everything,” said Kane, who scored his first senior goal against Lithuania at Wembley eight years ago this month.

“Once it hit the back of the net, there was so much emotion.

Iconic. Historic.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 @HKane pic.twitter.com/0WxMYB5yBd

— England (@England) March 23, 2023

“Thanks to all the players, all the staff, my wife, my family, everyone who has helped me get to this stage. It was a magical moment.

“It's just a great night. We haven't won in Italy for so long to score and win the game is special.”

It was England’s first game back after the World Cup quarter-final defeat against France last December, in which Kane missed the chance of breaking the record when he missed a penalty.

But the Tottenham Hotspur star admits he was just keen to get back into international action as Gareth Southgate’s side target next summer’s EUROs in Germany.

“I was so excited to put the England shirt back on and get the campaign started for the EUROS next year,” he added.

“It had to be a penalty of course, but I just do what I do; I practice, I work hard in training, hit my spot and thankfully put it away.

“The World Cup was obviously a difficult way to end, it was tough to finish it that way, but we spoke this week about getting back to it, we feel like we are one of the best teams in Europe and we just have to keep knocking on the door.

“We are getting close but coming here and putting in a performance like that today shows we are ready for the next challenge.

“We have a difficult campaign ahead but hopefully we can get ready for next year.”

 

Congratulations to @HKane on becoming @England’s all-time leading goalscorer. I knew it wouldn’t take long but that was quick 🤣. Great man, unbelievable goalscorer and an England legend. Congrats Harry 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/mX7M8S8al3

— Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) March 23, 2023

Kane was also messaged via social media by Rooney after scoring the goal, and having played alongside the Everton and Manchester United legend in his earlier England career, still recalls the moment he set the target.

“I was on the pitch when Wayne broke the record, and I know what it meant to him,” added Kane.

“I was so proud of him. I remember when I presented him with the boot for breaking the record, he said: ‘I'll give this back to you one day.’

“A special guy, an England legend, so to hear that is fantastic.”