Harry Kane Crushes Retirement Talk, Insists 2026 World Cup Is Not His Last Major Tournament with England, Despite Recent Criticism

Harry Kane has set the record straight, rejecting the notion that the 2026 World Cup will be his last major tournament with England.

Despite being the country’s all-time top goalscorer, Kane has faced his share of criticism for his performances with the Three Lions this year, particularly during England’s run to the Euro 2024 final.

Some have questioned his place in the team, especially with the impressive form of players like Ollie Watkins and Dominic Solanke.

Kane was even dropped for last week’s match against Greece by interim manager Lee Carsley.

Kane Focused on the Present, Not Future Speculations

Kane, however, is not concerned with retirement talk.

The 31-year-old striker remains confident about his international future and insists the 2026 World Cup is not his last shot at winning silverware with England.

“I don’t think it will be my last chance,” Kane said in an interview with Sky Sports.

“When you hit your thirties, some think your career is winding down, but I feel like I’m playing at the highest level I ever have. I’m in great shape, and it’s all about embracing the moment.”

He went on to emphasize that he doesn’t like to think too far ahead in his career.

“The World Cup in America will be an exciting event, and the goal is to win it. As always, I’ll focus on what I can improve on, and that won’t change in a couple of years.”

Kane’s Continued Importance to England and Bayern Munich

Kane’s goal-scoring prowess continues to make him one of England’s most crucial players.

His incredible form last season at Bayern Munich earned him the European Golden Shoe, and he’s continued to shine this term, with 17 goals and 9 assists in just 16 games across all competitions.

Kane’s leadership on the pitch hasn’t gone unnoticed, and the England squad still relies heavily on him.

He will also be looking forward to seeing his former Bayern manager, Thomas Tuchel, in the England dugout during the next international break in March.

Kane’s Statue Reveal: A Humbling Moment

Outside of football, Kane had a special moment when he unveiled his statue, which had been hidden away for almost five years.

The sculpture, created in 2020, was commissioned by Waltham Forest Council to honor the Walthamstow-born player, but it had been kept in storage ever since its completion.

Kane posed with the statue, which shows him sitting on a green bench and holding a football on his thigh, at The Peter May Centre in Walthamstow, east London.

However, the sculpture has sparked some criticism from fans, who described it as “the stuff of nightmares.”