Harry Kane will lead England’s attack knowing that he has the chance to become the first-ever player to win the Golden Boot in two successive World Cups, having top-scored in 2018, and could break Wayne Rooney’s goalscoring record with three goals in Qatar.
“Of course, it (the Golden Boot) would be a great thing to achieve,” said Kane. “I was able to do it in 2018 and it helped the team get to the semi-finals. If I win it again, it means the team is going pretty well and we are going far.
“Of course, as a striker, I am judged on scoring goals. I know how that works, but the most important thing is giving everything for the team that is necessary to win. We are playing against the Ronaldos, Messis and Neymars, the best players in the world, the list goes on.
“I try not to think about things like the Golden Boot, the most important thing is trying to win the World Cup and that is what mine and the team’s focus is on.”
On the possibility of beating Rooney’s all-time record of 53 England goals, Kane added: “Hopefully as soon as possible for sure. I know it is there and people talk about it, but I like to focus on my game and do my best for the team.
“I know the team will create chances and I have to be ready for the ones that come my way. I was lucky enough to play with Wayne and I looked up to him and watched him in the major tournaments, and to be close to him is an honour. But I am not going to panic, I am just going to focus day by day.”
Probable England team (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Trippier, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Bellingham, Rice; Saka, Mount, Sterling; Kane.
