HARRY KANE has been hailed as “the best England player of all time” by team-mate Jude Bellingham.
Three Lions captain Kane scored his 11th World Cup goal with a close-range header in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Panama, breaking Gary Lineker’s 36-year-old record.
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Jude Bellingham has hailed England captain Harry Kane after he became the nation’s outright top scorer at World Cups Credit: Alamy
Bellingham scored then turned provider for Kane as he netted the record-breaker against Panama Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Second-half goals from England’s star duo sealed top spot in Group L and set up a last-32 clash with DR Congo in Atlanta on Wednesday evening.
And Real Madrid star Bellingham, who netted the first from a corner before assisting Kane’s goal, said: “I have built a good relationship with Harry over the last four or five years, especially after the Qatar World Cup, playing so close together.
“It is an honour to play with him. For me, he is the best England player of all time. He is the one who has showed up more than any other player.
“It is quite easy to play with him, he is at a level which is just incredible.
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“You don’t doubt him at all. Whether he is involved or not, he is going to make a difference.”
Bayern Munich striker Kane, 32, has netted three times at this World Cup and has a staggering 82 goals in 117 caps.
Wayne Rooney is second on England’s all-time scorers list — a whopping 29 behind on 53 goals.
Following the win over Panama in New Jersey, Kane was asked if he had a message for Lineker.
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And he jokingly replied: “Sorry Gary, I’m one ahead of you now!”
Kane added: “I’m sure he will send some congratulations.
“He’s one of England’s greatest strikers, especially in World Cups.
“To go ahead of him now, it’s a proud moment and I’m sure he will be happy for me.”
Bellingham said Kane was ‘the best England player of all time’ Credit: Reuters
Kane made a little joke about Gary Lineker, whose record Kane beat Credit: PA
Lineker won the Golden Boot with six goals at Mexico ’86 and bagged four more at Italia ’90.
The England legend, 65, said: “I’m really pleased Harry has beaten the record.
“It was a record that I knew wouldn’t last.
“It’s quite good for me because every time he gets close, it’s put up as a graphic and I’m up there.
“It reminds people I used to play. A generation don’t know that.”
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