With his decisive brace against DR Congo, Kane took his tournament tally to five goals, putting him joint-second in the Golden Boot race alongside Erling Haaland, just behind leaders Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi. Kane's late heroics not only kept England's World Cup dreams alive but also officially set up a highly anticipated round-of-16 clash against Mexico.
According to Opta, the England captain's goals further cemented his legendary status on the international stage. Kane has now become one of only two players in football history to score 20 or more goals across the World Cup and European Championship, joining Cristiano Ronaldo (24). Furthermore, his unmatched clutch performances are highlighted by his knockout stage record; since Euro 2020, Kane has scored 10 knockout goals at major tournaments - well ahead of Kylian Mbappe, who is on seven, and over triple the amount of Dani Olmo, Kasper Dolberg, and Gonçalo Ramos, sitting on three each.