Harry Kane backed to become first England player at four World Cups

Former England captain Terry Butcher says Harry Kane can extend his international career enough to reach a fourth World Cup, a feat no Englishman has yet managed. Butcher pointed to the longevity of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, who have reached six tournaments, and added that he expects Kane to reach at least one more.

He highlighted Kane's form at Bayern Munich — "banging in the goals", creating chances and doing the necessary work — and singled out the striker's professional habits, including careful preparation and having his own chef, as reasons for his durability. Kane has been part of the England setup since March 2015 and scored on his debut.

He overtook Wayne Rooney's 53 international goals in March 2023, and Butcher suggested that record could stand because future centre-forwards are different and few match Kane's all-round game. England face Panama at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey with top spot in Group L at stake as Thomas Tuchel’s side move into the last-32 of World Cup competition.

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