New Jersey: England captain Harry Kane delivered another big-game performance in the FIFA World Cup 2026, but it was his humility off the pitch that captured attention just as much as his brilliance on it.

Kane scored both goals in England’s 2-1 win over DR Congo in the Round of 32, taking his total World Cup tally to 13 and surpassing Brazilian legend Pele in the list of all-time scorers.

Kane responds to Messi, Ronaldo comparisons

Following his match-winning display, Kane was compared to modern greats Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo—a comparison he was quick to downplay.

Describing the duo as the “pinnacle” of football excellence, Kane emphasised the hard work required to maintain consistency at the highest level.

“Those guys, like Messi and Ronaldo, they’re at the pinnacle of that,” Kane said. “I’m just trying to be the best version of myself and stay ready for big moments.”

A performance to remember

Kane’s second goal stood out as a moment of pure class. After weaving past multiple defenders, he unleashed a powerful strike into the top corner—celebrating almost instantly after hitting the ball.

The striker later described the match as one of his favourites in an England shirt, highlighting both the difficulty of the contest and the team’s resilience.

Leading by example

Kane credited his performance to the unseen work behind the scenes—training routines, recovery sessions, and meticulous preparation.

“Leading by example is one of my biggest traits,” he said, underlining his role not just as a scorer, but as a leader within the squad.

He also praised his teammates, stressing that success comes from collective “hero moments,” whether through goals, saves, or defensive contributions.

England march into Round of 16

The victory sends England into the Round of 16, keeping their World Cup campaign alive. Against a well-organised DR Congo side, England had to dig deep, making the win all the more satisfying.

Kane’s clinical finishing—scoring twice from just three shots on target—proved decisive in a tightly contested encounter.

Conclusion

While records and comparisons continue to follow Harry Kane, his focus remains firmly on performance and team success. With England progressing and Kane in top form, the Three Lions will look to build momentum as the tournament enters its stages.