The goal to put England 2-0 up in their opening Euro 2024 qualifying match was Kane’s 54th for the Three Lions, eight years after his first.
Tottenham striker Kane has now surpassed the record held by Wayne Rooney, who scored his 53rd goal for his country against Iceland at Euro 2016.
The previous record of 49 was held by Bobby Charlton and stood for 45 years from 1970 until Rooney’s 50th goal came against Switzerland in 2015.
A handball from Italian defender Giovanni Di Lorenzo led to a penalty, after a VAR check, which Kane converted by firing the ball past Gianluigi Donnarumma on the brink of half-time.
“He was so determined to score after missing in the winter,” said Steven Gerrard on Channel 4. “I’m so pleased for him, congratulations.
“It’s an incredible penalty, precise – he loves taking the side netting off. He’s one of the best penalty takers in the world.
“You’re talking about greatness, one of the best number nines in the world right now. That’s why every transfer window he’s ahead in terms of all the talk.”
Joe Cole added: “It’s redemption for him. You can’t help but admire him, and like him and respect him. He stands alone now at the top of the charts.
“The name underneath him, Wayne Rooney, Bobby Charlton – unbelievable names. Fantastic for him, what a moment.”
Kane was making his first international appearance since missing a penalty during England’s quarter-final exit at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The 29-year-old equalled Rooney’s record from the spot in the 2-1 defeat to France, but later sent a second kick over the bar as England exited the tournament.
His first goal for his country came in 2015 in a 4-0 win over Lithuania.
Kane has scored five hat-tricks for England and won the golden boot at the 2018 World Cup with six goals.
England top goalscorers of all-time
Player | Goals | Caps |
Harry Kane | 54 | 81 |
Wayne Rooney | 53 | 120 |
Bobby Charlton | 49 | 106 |
Gary Lineker | 48 | 80 |
Jimmy Greaves | 44 | 57 |
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