The Bayern Munich striker continues to serve as the captain of his national team and holds the record as their all-time top scorer with 66 goals in 98 appearances. Despite sharing another Golden Boot at Euro 2024, where England reached their second consecutive final, Kane’s performance throughout the tournament was below his usual standard.
Kane, who had been dealing with an injury from the end of the 2023-24 season, was substituted during the semi-final and final matches, prompting questions about his overall contribution. Former England forward Gary Lineker, who has experienced similar situations, commented on Kane’s future in the international scene during The Rest Is Football podcast.
Lineker discussed why Kane’s time in the international arena might be limited as England begins to rebuild following another European Championship disappointment: “Part of [looking to] the future in my mind was what England do, what does Harry Kane do? He was not himself in this tournament. He’s in his 30s now. When I was 30, 31, my legs started to go. I retired from international football at 32. At 31 that was happening [legs going] and it’s horrible, it’s horrible.”
Reflecting on his own experience, Lineker, who retired from international play after Euro ’92 with 48 goals, added: “I felt [it] in that last season – which is one of the reasons I decided to retire from international football, to finish in English football, to move to Japan. I could feel my legs going. I was poor in that last [major tournament]. I was made a martyr because Graham Taylor brought me off but he had every right to bring me off because I was past my best. It happens to some people at some point. Maybe he was just tired or carrying a little something that affected him and that [his legs going] might not be the case. But I wonder. What is he, coming up to 31 now? That’s exactly the time when I started to feel that way.”
Kane, who will turn 31 on July 28, secured the European Golden Shoe with Bayern Munich last season, scoring 44 goals in all competitions. He has not suggested any intention of retiring from international football, expressing his determination to continue representing England after another trophy-less campaign.