Try GOLD - Free
The Harry Kane team? The terrifying question facing England after great escape
The Star
|July 03, 2026
HARRY Kane is England’s talisman, record goalscorer and often their saviour. Is he also their only hope at the Fifa World Cup?
-
The captain came up with the goods yet again against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Atlanta on Wednesday, scoring twice in 11 minutes as Thomas Tuchel’s men recovered from a shocking start to win 2-1.
The Bayern Munich star headed a superb equaliser from Anthony Gordon’s cross in the 75th minute and thumped home the winner with four minutes remaining. Kane now has five goals at the 2026 World Cup, one behind Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe and level with Erling Haaland in a captivating race for the Golden Boot.
His 12th and 13th World Cup goals in the round of 32 moved him ahead of Pele’s dozen, up to sixth on the all-time list, level with France forward Just Fontaine and six behind Messi.
A relieved Tuchel described Kane as being one of the “sharks” at the World Cup, alongside the other A-list forwards.
“They are all sharks” he said. “If they smell blood, they come and score.”
This story is from the July 03, 2026 edition of The Star.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Star
The Star
Economic impact of the 30 June protests in South Africa
THE 30 June protests caused a major economic impact, the Road Freight Association and the KZN Premier Thamsangqa Ntuli said yesterday.
3 mins
July 03, 2026
The Star
SACU Summit: Ramaphosa calls for accelerated reforms to enhance regional cooperation
SOUTHERN African Customs Union (SACU) should accelerate reforms, President Cyril Ramaphosa said at the 9th SACU Summit in Cape Town.
2 mins
July 03, 2026
The Star
Brent crude nears $70 as easing geopolitical tensions lift hopes for lower inflation
OIL PRICES have fallen to their lowest levels in four months as easing tensions in the Middle East continue to reduce fears of supply disruptions, offering a measure of relief for inflation weary consumers and businesses across the globe.
1 mins
July 03, 2026
The Star
General Libbok backs Springbok pack to unlock England
SPRINGBOK flyhalf Manie Libbok has no doubts that the battle for dominance against England tomorrow will start up-front.
2 mins
July 03, 2026
The Star
Mzansi discovers the author behind 'The Polygamist'
SOUTH Africans are not just binge-watching The Polygamist, they are also heading straight to bookstores and online retailers in search of the woman behind the story.
1 mins
July 03, 2026
The Star
The Harry Kane team? The terrifying question facing England after great escape
HARRY Kane is England’s talisman, record goalscorer and often their saviour. Is he also their only hope at the Fifa World Cup?
2 mins
July 03, 2026
The Star
Broos reveals turning point behind Bafana’s historic rise
THERE was a moment, early in Bafana Bafana’s World Cup journey, when the scale of the occasion nearly swallowed them whole.
2 mins
July 03, 2026
The Star
Portugal backed as World Cup contenders despite shaky start
FORMER India captain Bhaichung Bhutia, who is considered as the torch-bearer of Indian football in the international arena, believes Portugal remain genuine contenders for the FIFA World Cup 2026 title despite an inconsistent group-stage campaign and backed Roberto Martinez’s side to overcome Croatia in their blockbuster Round of 32 clash.
2 mins
July 03, 2026
The Star
TRC Cases Inquiry: Mxolisi Nxasana discusses his tumultuous tenure as head of the NPA
FORMER National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Advocate Mxolisi Nxasana has opened up about the challenges he faced while heading the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) from October 2013 until his resignation on June 1, 2015.
1 mins
July 03, 2026
The Star
Nku testimony postponed indefinitely due to 'security concerns'
SUSPECTED drug trafficker Tumelo Nku’s testimony at the Madlanga Commission has been postponed for security reasons.
1 min
July 03, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size
