Pele parallels as Kane sets sights on World Cup glory

The England captain could match the Brazilian's goal tally against Albania today - but is dreaming of a bigger prize

- RICHARD JOLLY SENIOR FOOTBALL CORRESPONDENT

Harry Kane has taken one record that used to belong to Wayne Rooney and, before him, to Sir Bobby Charlton. He has another that was long held by Jimmy Greaves. The highest scorer in the history of both England and Tottenham Hotspur has inherited the centre-forward's role at Bayern Munich that is indelibly associated with Gerd Muller and Robert Lewandowski. There is a chance he could claim the record for most goals in a Bundesliga campaign, which each of his predecessors has held.

A man often discussed in the same sentence as greats could find himself along, or even above, another today. Kane has 76 international goals. Pele got 77. And Kane faces Albania, who have already conceded five times to him. The odds are that Pele will soon have company.

“To be around a name like Pele speaks for itself,” said Kane. “Sometimes when you’re in it, it’s hard to process some of the names you’re around or the things you’re achieving. You just want to go onto the next one. Hopefully to score and go level with Pele, who had such an inspirational international career, just shows how far I’ve come through my career.”

Pele’s legend reflects more than sheer volume of goals. Kane has a World Cup Golden Boot, but Pele scored three in the finals of World Cups. He, and Brazil, won the first World Cup played in Mexico. Now it will host part of the 2026 tournament. Kane can hope the parallels continue.