Harry Kane Named England's Greatest Striker of All Time by Geoff Hurst

Harry Kane has been hailed as England's greatest striker of all time by Sir Geoff Hurst, the 1966 FIFA World Cup final hero.

What happened?

Hurst, who remains England's only men's player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final, believes Kane has surpassed every striker to wear the national jersey. The Bayern Munich striker has delivered decisive goals in the knockout rounds and become the nation's all-time leading World Cup scorer during the tournament.

Why it matters for Harry Kane

Kane's record now stands at an "amazing" level for his appearances and goals scored, with Hurst praising his leadership and influence on the pitch. The England captain has also surpassed 1966 World Cup-winning captain Bobby Moore to become England's most-capped captain, further strengthening his legacy in national colours.

What comes next?

England have reached the semi-finals after overcoming Norway in extra time, with Kane continuing to play a pivotal role through his goals, link-up play, and leadership as Thomas Tuchel's side chase a first World Cup title since 1966. Hurst compared Kane's leadership qualities with those of Bobby Moore, the captain who lifted the Jules Rimet Trophy at Wembley six decades ago.

Hurst said: "There are certain people in walks of life, whether it's business or football, that emerge from within a group of people who automatically see them as the boss, the captain. In my time it was quite evidently Bobby Moore... the players and management saw him as the ideal man to be captain. And I think Harry Kane is absolutely in that same mould, not just on the field but off the field with all the stuff they do together."

Kane has led England's charge at the FIFA World Cup 2026, delivering decisive goals in the knockout rounds and becoming the nation's all-time leading World Cup scorer during the tournament. The Bayern Munich striker also surpassed 1966 World Cup-winning captain Bobby Moore to become England's most-capped captain, further strengthening his legacy in national colours.

England have reached the semi-finals after overcoming Norway in extra time, with Kane continuing to play a crucial role through his goals, link-up play, and leadership as Thomas Tuchel's side chase a first World Cup title since 1966.

Hurst added: "His record now is just amazing for his appearances and the goals he's scoring and doing it in important games as we've seen in this tournament. His leadership is obvious, and that's important. He's talking to the players after a game, when they're in the huddle and so on. Of course he's also a great example with his attitude, behaviour, and the way he plays."

Kane's leadership qualities have been praised by Hurst, who believes the England captain is in the same mould as Bobby Moore, the captain who lifted the Jules Rimet Trophy at Wembley six decades ago.

The semi-final against Argentina will be a significant test for Kane and England, with the Three Lions looking to reach the final of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

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