BBC Sport places Harry Kane third in England greats list

BBC Sport has turned its attention to Harry Kane’s place in the history of the national side. Kane now holds two England men’s records, for caps and goals. The harder task, according to the outlet’s writer, is measuring how those figures compare with the country’s best players.

The writer says the question has no simple answer. Ranking players across different eras involves many variables, and talent is only part of it. A player’s effect on the mood of the country also counts, the writer argues.

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Several earlier stars would have strong claims under that measure. Stanley Matthews, Kevin Keegan and Michael Owen, all former Ballon d’Or winners, are named, alongside skilful midfielders Glenn Hoddle, Chris Waddle and John Barnes. Players from the pre-tournament era, including Tom Finney and Nat Lofthouse, are also hard to place because much of their best work came outside the major competitions.

How the list is built

The writer says a place on the list requires more than individual skill. Players also need a lasting record of big moments and enough years in an England shirt. With only ten places available, the choices are necessarily tight.

Players ranked ninth to fourth

David Beckham is placed tenth. The writer describes him as an iconic figure who also delivered on the pitch, and notes he earned 115 caps. He was part of Manchester United’s treble-winning squad in 1999 before moving to Real Madrid, and later played for LA Galaxy, AC Milan and Paris St-Germain.

Paul Gascoigne is ninth. Fans, the writer says, bonded with him emotionally during the 1990 and 1996 tournaments. Gascoigne earned 57 caps and found the net 10 times, and the writer describes him as a talented but fragile figure.

Billy Wright is eighth. He became the first men’s player to pass 100 international caps and captained England 90 times. His long career at Wolves, where he won league titles and the FA Cup, also stands out, as does his second place in the 1957 Ballon d’Or vote.

Jude Bellingham is seventh. The writer admits it is early to rank a 23-year-old, but argues his influence is already obvious. He has played at four major tournaments, and his seven goals at the most recent World Cup were more than any earlier England player managed in a single edition.

Wayne Rooney is sixth. The writer calls him one of England’s most naturally gifted players, pointing to his breakout at Euro 2004 as an 18-year-old. He later became Manchester United’s all-time top scorer and finished with 53 goals from 120 caps.

Gordon Banks is fifth. He was part of England’s 1966 World Cup win and made a famous save against Brazil, a moment Pele praised. Banks also won Fifa’s best goalkeeper award five years in a row between 1966 and 1971.

Gary Lineker is fourth. The writer notes his club trophies were fewer than his goals deserved, but he won the Golden Boot at the 1986 World Cup. He also scored another four goals in 1990 and ended his England career one short of Bobby Charlton’s record.

Harry Kane in third place

Kane is placed third. The writer calls him the most important and influential England player of his generation, and says the squad would struggle to function once he retires. He has scored for his country for almost 12 years, and his first goal came 79 seconds into his debut.

His major tournament record stands out. He has 21 goals in 36 appearances across three World Cups and three European Championships, and he won the Golden Boot at the 2018 World Cup. The writer adds that no England captain since Bobby Moore has come closer to a major trophy, with two World Cup semi-final defeats and two European Championship final losses.

Jude Bellingham, his team-mate, has described him as the greatest player to represent England. The writer suggests Kane’s reputation could grow further in the years after he retires, once fans look back on his career.

What is not confirmed

The text available ends while discussing Bobby Moore at number two, so the reasons for that placement are not confirmed here. The top spot is also not shown in the source text. Readers should treat the ranking as one writer’s view rather than an official measure.

The debate reflects how English football has changed over time, from the years before European club competitions to the modern era. Kane’s position near the top shows how one career can shape expectations for the national team.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

• BBC Sport: Where does Kane rank among all-time England greats?

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