Harry Kane must become England’s all-time leading scorer BEFORE World Cup or risk it being a ‘distraction’, says Rooney
HARRY KANE must become England’s greatest scorer before the start of the World Cup finals in November, according to Wayne Rooney.
The Tottenham man, 28, is level with legendary Sir Bobby Charlton on 49 goals for the Three Lions – and is just four behind Rooney’s record tally of 53.
Rooney, who retired from international football in 2018 after winning 120 caps, says he would be happy if Kane overtook him in the rankings.
Yet he feels it is vital that Kane achieves that special feat before it becomes a “distraction” at the Qatar finals this winter.
In June and September, England have six Nations League games – home and away against Hungary, Germany and Italy – before heading out to the Middle East.
Rooney, 36, said: “It is only a matter of time.
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“I have said it before I would be delighted for him. I was so surprised he didn’t play the friendly against Ivory Coast last month.
“For him and for the manager Gareth Southgate as well, he should try to get that record before the World Cup – so it doesn’t become a distraction.
“I would try to get that record before it comes along and then there is no distraction on it.”
On the domestic front, Spurs frontman Kane also has his eye on claiming the Premier League record of 260 goals set by Alan Shearer, which has stood since 2006.
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The 28-year-old is 82 goals away on 178 and Rooney said: “I think he gets it.
“He is young enough. If you look at his numbers, barring injuries, I think he will get it, no problem.”
Rooney reckons Kane does not get the mega-star recognition he deserves by fans and pundits because he is not flashy on social media.
The Derby County boss said: “The way Harry Kane is, he is very humble. And that is a good thing.
“What we see nowadays is that with a lot of young lads, they put themselves out there on social media and bring all this attention, whether it is sponsorship deals etc.
“Whereas Harry Kane is a superstar on the pitch but a genuine, nice, humble guy off the pitch.
“Sometimes people maybe because they don’t see him in the flash cars or doing what other players do, they tend to maybe not like him so much.
“He is certainly one of the best players the Premier League has seen.”
And Rooney doesn’t think Kane will stop at just becoming England’s record goal scorer.
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He added on Sky Sports: “He can play as a 9, he can play as a 10, he’s an incredible player.
“He wants to get the goalscoring record, I think he wants to get the assist record as well, and I think he’s capable of doing it.”