Harry Kane backed to break Wayne Rooney’s England goals record by Phil Jones

Goal getter | Kane has scored 10 goals in 20 appearances for England
Julian Finney/Getty Images
Simon Johnson4 September 2017

Phil Jones believes Harry Kane can beat Wayne Rooney’s record to become England’s all-time leading scorer.

Kane struck twice in the 4-0 win against Malta on Friday to take his international tally to 10 goals from 20 appearances.

The Tottenham striker, who will lead the line against Slovakia in tonight’s World Cup qualifier at Wembley, has reached the double-figure mark four games quicker than Rooney did.

Kane also achieved it faster than some of the game’s greatest stars managed for their countries, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic (28 matches), Thierry Henry (29), Cristiano Ronaldo (30) and Lionel Messi (33).

​Rooney, who was charged with drink-driving last Friday, quit international football as England’s leading marksman with 53 goals.

Jones insists Kane has what it takes to overtake his former Manchester United team-mate.

Speaking to Standard Sport, he said: “Harry will put Wayne’s record under threat without a shadow of a doubt.

“He has all the ability in the world to compete at the level Wayne put on the board. If he stays fit and keeps performing for his club, he will score many more goals for his country.

“Harry is a tremendous talent. He is a gifted player, scores goals with both feet and with his head. He has great movement and is strong.

In Pictures | Malta vs England | 01/09/2017

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“It is a very special achievement to score 10 goals quicker than Wayne and all of those other great players. But that’s what he does - he loves scoring and knows where the back of the net is.

“We have seen it time and time again for his club and country. He delivers on the big stage.”

Jones says Kane will be crucial as England look to retain control of Group F by beating their closest challengers, who are just two points behind.

Victory will put Gareth Southgate’s side on the verge of booking their place at the World Cup in Russia next year.

Jones, who is set to start at centre-back tonight alongside Gary Cahill, said: “It’s great knowing Harry is up there because when things aren’t going so well, if he gets one chance he’ll put it away.

“There was a lot of talk about how he hadn’t scored in August and then in the first match in September, he scores twice for us.

“I’m sure now he is off the mark, he will score many more.

“He will be massive in terms of us qualifying for the World Cup and hopefully what we do once we get there.”

Tottenham’s Eric Dier missed the win against Malta through suspension but is expected to come straight back into the side.

That 4-0 victory was overshadowed by heavy criticism about the quality of the display.

Another expectant crowd will be at Wembley for the visit of Slovakia, and Jones said: “We need to put in a performance that not only suits us but the crowd as well.”