Wayne Rooney predicted Harry Kane would break his England goal record as soon as he took the honour himself, the Tottenham striker has revealed.
Eight years ago, Rooney broke Bobby Charlton’s record with a penalty against Switzerland in qualification for Euro 2016 and the first to celebrate alongside him was Kane.
Fast forward to England’s Euro 2024 qualifiers and it was again from the spot that the record was broken, this time by Kane.
Rooney was quick to congratulate the striker as he captained the Three Lions to victory in Italy.
“Congratulations to Kane on becoming England’s all-time leading goalscorer,” he tweeted. “I knew it wouldn’t take long but that was quick!
“Great man, unbelievable goalscorer and an England legend. Congrats Harry.”
Kane, 29, revealed the prediction Rooney made shortly after his 50th England goal back in 2015.
“Big thanks,” he said on Channel 4 when asked about his former team-mate’s comment
“I was on the pitch when Wayne broke the record. I know what it meant to him and I was so proud of him. I remember when I gave him the boot for breaking the record he said he would be giving it back to me one day. A special man.”
The first-half penalty made it 2-0 to England in Naples before they survived a late onslaught to take a vital victory and kickstart their Group C campaign.
What a moment.pic.twitter.com/3DY25ju1Px
— England (@England) March 23, 2023
Kane added: “It means everything, so excited to put the England shirt back on and it had to be a penalty of course!
“So much emotion, a huge thanks to all the playes, staff, fans and my family. It’s a magical moment. I picked my spot and put it away so just a great night, we haven’t won in Italy for so long. It’s special.
“The World Cup was a difficult way to end but we feel like we’re one of the best teams in Europe and we have to keep knocking at the door. This results shows we’re ready for the next challenge.”
