Harry Kane told the two things he must achieve to become England’s GOAT as ex-Tottenham and Three Lions star hails ‘special’ Bayern Munich striker

The prolific frontman, who made his senior international debut in 2015, has registered 69 goals for the Three Lions through 103 appearances. He is, at 31 years of age, being backed to reach triple figures and join the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in an exclusive club.

There is also every chance that Kane, who continues to fill the captain’s armband, will overtake Peter Shilton’s record of 125 caps for England’s men’s national team. If he were to top that chart, while enhancing his goal record and potentially landing a major trophy, then it would be difficult to ignore his claims to being the greatest player to ever represent the Three Lions.

Quizzed on whether that standing can be taken up, former Tottenham and England forward Jermain Deoe – speaking courtesy of bet365’s new Sub On, Play On product – told GOAL: “If I say yes, everyone will say I’m being biased. I’ve known Harry for a long time, since he came through at Tottenham, through the academy.

“I think if he wins something, you have to put him in the conversation. Of course there have been others that are iconic figures and legends in terms of caps – [David] Beckham, Ashley Cole, all the great players. But to be England’s leading goalscorer, that’s a special achievement. If you go on to win a major tournament and have the most caps, of course you have to put him in the conversation.”

Defoe added on the legacy that Kane has already established, with there no sign of him slowing down with club or country: “He’s been fantastic for England, for Tottenham, for Bayern Munich now. He’s a special footballer. You think about how good he is and look at some of the other players that have gone on and won everything in the game, he deserves to win.

“This season, I hope he wins the league at Bayern and goes on to win something for England because he deserves it. He’s put all the hard work in. He’s a great guy off the pitch and one of the best goalscorers we have seen.”

Kane does appear to be on course to break his silverware duck this season. Bayern sit eight points clear at the top of the Bundesliga table, while also reaching the Champions League quarter-finals. England, meanwhile, are about to open their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign under new head coach Thomas Tuchel.