Harry Kane’s brace in England’s 3-0 win over Croatia at Wembley on Tuesday has earned high praise from teammate Jude Bellingham, who described the Bayern Munich striker as the best England player ever. Kane’s involvement in all three goals, including a cross that led to Vladimir Coufal’s own goal, helped the Three Lions secure a commanding victory in their Nations League fixture.
At 33, Kane became the oldest England player to score a brace, adding to a tally that now stands at 14 goals in 2026. This is just two shy of his personal best for a calendar year, set in 2021. Speaking to ITV Football after the match, Bellingham said there was little left to say about Kane’s impact that hadn’t already been expressed.
“From my perspective first and foremost he is an unbelievable human being, as a captain and a man,” Bellingham said. “He is the best England player to ever wear the shirt, and it is an honour to play with him. He is pretty unmatched. He is scoring goals for fun; he goes deep, and he gets tackles in. He is only getting better.”
Kane’s performance against Croatia was marked by his all-around contribution. His precision crossing caused the own goal from the Czech Republic-born defender Coufal, and his two goals rounded off a clinical display. The victory maintained England’s strong start to the Nations League campaign and demonstrated Kane’s continued influence on the national team.
Bellingham’s remarks underline the respect Kane commands within the squad. The midfielder’s emphasis on Kane’s leadership qualities, alongside his goal-scoring prowess, highlights why the striker is seen as a figure central to England’s ambitions.
Despite Kane’s consistent scoring record and leadership, he has yet to secure a major international title with England. The striker’s legacy will likely be measured by his ability to guide the Three Lions to silverware. England’s next opportunity to claim a trophy comes with the Nations League final scheduled for next year, a competition that could set the tone ahead of Euro 2028, which England will co-host.
While Kane’s career achievements include becoming England’s all-time top scorer and maintaining a high level of performance into his 30s, the absence of a major international trophy remains a gap. Bellingham’s comments suggest that Kane’s influence is not only about goals but also about setting standards for the team.
The 3-0 win over Croatia was Kane’s latest demonstration of his enduring quality. His ability to score, assist, and contribute defensively shows why he is seen by teammates as a unique talent in England’s football history. Bellingham’s praise reflects the high regard in which Kane is held within the squad as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
According to Yahoo Sports.
