Harry Kane overtook former Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney to become England’s all-time leading goalscorer after scoring against Italy.
Harry Kane is now England’s all-time top goalscorer. (Image: 2023 UEFA)
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has sent a message to Harry Kane after he overtook the former Reds man as England’s all-time top goalscorer.
Tottenham striker Kane scored from the penalty spot in the 44th minute of the Three Lions’ game against Italy on Thursday in Naples to overtake Rooney with 54 goals.
His 54th strike for his country came in his 81st appearance for England, with Rooney’s tally taking him 130 games. Meanwhile, Bobby Charlton, who Kane overtook last year, is third, with 49 goals in 106 games.
Rooney took to social media to praise Kane for his achievement, joking that he didn’t think the Spurs ace would move past him so quickly into his international career.
“Congratulations to @HKane on becoming @England’s all-time leading goalscorer. I knew it wouldn’t take long but that was quick. Great man, unbelievable goalscorer and an England legend. Congrats Harry,” wrote Rooney on Twitter.
Rooney scored 253 goals for United during his time at Old Trafford, while Kane became his club’s all-time record goalscorer earlier this year when he passed Jimmy Greaves. The frontman’s first goal for his country came 80 seconds into his debut – with Kane having come on for Rooney in a Euro 2016 qualifying match against Lithuania.
Kane moved level with Rooney after scoring against France in the World Cup quarter-final in Qatar. The 29-year-old had the chance to move to the top of the list after the Three Lions were awarded another penalty, but he blazed the ball over the crossbar.
Luke Shaw red card is a boost for Manchester United
Manchester United defender Luke Shaw has been sent off for England against Italy.
And where Manchester United are concerned, this is actually good news.
Luke Shaw was shown a red card with England leading 2-1 in Naples. He was dismissed for receiving two yellow cards in quick succession.
The first came for timewasting, with the second coming as he committed a foul to break up play with Italy counter-attacking, with Harry Maguire down injured.
Shaw red helps United
Manchester United need as many players receiving rest as possible. And this red card means Luke Shaw’s international break is over.
England face Ukraine on Sunday in another Euro 2024 qualifier. As England’s first choice left-back, Shaw was expected to start again.
Now the defender will face a one-game suspension, and will miss the fixture with Ukraine.
Shaw can be expected to now return to Carrington to link up with his Manchester United teammates a few days early.
United forward Marcus Rashford is already missing England’s games with a minor injury, pulling out of the squad.
It will leave Harry Maguire as the only United player still with England, and he is only a back-up for United at this stage rather than a first choice.
Manchester United return to action on April 2 away at Newcastle United. This is the first of nine games Manchester United will play in the month of April in three competitions.
An extra few days of rest will help Shaw, who has made 35 appearances for United already this season, despite the extra help from Tyrell Malacia at left-back.
This was the first time Luke Shaw has been sent off since a red card received for United against West Ham way back in 2015.
