Harry Kane is on the verge of becoming England’s all-time leader in international appearances. Peter Shilton praises the Bayern star in glowing terms and plans a personal tribute.
Peter Shilton looks on without envy at the player who could surpass his historic record. Harry Kane is set to make his 126th international appearance for England, which would make him the sole record-holder for most international appearances. The former leader on England’s all-time appearances list couldn’t ask for a more fitting successor.
“I’ve held the record for several years now, but if anyone deserves to surpass me, it’s Harry. I couldn’t imagine anyone better. He’s been an incredible performer and leader for so long and has scored plenty of goals in the process. I think I’ll go out onto the field to present him with something,” Shilton said in an interview with the FIFA website.
In doing so, the former goalkeeper also hinted at a possible personal tribute. For Shilton, it’s not just Kane’s scoring record that counts. He specifically highlights Kane’s leadership qualities and his consistent performance over many years.
After breaking the scoring record, Kane could also set the record for most appearances
Shilton made a total of 125 international appearances for England between 1970 and 1990. Kane had already reached that milestone in October. In the 3-0 victory over the Czech Republic, the Bayern striker capped off his 125th appearance with a brace, tying the legendary goalkeeper’s record.
Now he needs just one more match to take sole possession of the top spot. It had already become apparent that Kane would also be in line to break this special record. The striker had already surpassed Wayne Rooney on the all-time appearances list.
Kane has held the English all-time scoring record since 2023. With his impending sole lead in international appearances, he would hold two of the Three Lions’ most important individual records. This underscores his extraordinary importance to the national team far beyond individual tournaments.
At FC Bayern, too, Kane embodies this dual role as both a goal-scorer and a leader. In addition to his goals, he shapes the team’s attacking play with passes, assists, and his presence on the field. Shilton’s tribute, accordingly, is directed at the player as a whole—not just his goal-scoring record.
Shilton left open whether the announced handover ceremony would take place on the field. His stance on the impending record-breaking moment, however, is clear: if anyone is to surpass his long-standing record, it should be Kane.