Messi, Kane and Ronaldo (foto: Official TW/IG/FB account)
Ex-England star Emile Heskey backs Harry Kane to join the elite 100 international goals club and remain a key figure for England at Euro 2028, even at 34.
Harry Kane, England’s all-time leading scorer, has been tipped by former international Emile Heskey to reach the elusive 100-goal mark in international football, joining the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The prolific Bayern Munich striker, who currently has 69 goals for his country, is maintaining his remarkable standards and shows no signs of slowing down at 31.
A future in the 100-goal club
Heskey, speaking to GOAL in association with William Hill, expressed confidence in Kane’s ability to join the century club, saying: “Why not? He’s a goalscorer, that’s what he prides his game on – getting goals. When your numbers stack up the way that his do, you kind of look past a lot of it.”
The former Liverpool and Leicester forward emphasized that Kane’s longevity will depend on proper fitness management: “If he can have the right diet, the right rest… he’ll be fine. I played until 38, and Kane is at a level where he can continue thriving if he looks after himself.”
Kane at Euro 2028
With the potential to remain a part of England’s setup for years to come, Heskey sees Kane featuring in Euro 2028 when he will be 34. While younger talents like Ollie Watkins may add competition, Heskey believes Kane’s scoring ability will keep him integral to the squad: “I don’t think there’s a reason why he can’t do that – as long as he keeps himself fit. Right now, he’s the main man.”
Heskey suggested that England may adopt a "horses for courses" approach in future tournaments, utilizing players like Watkins for their mobility while continuing to rely on Kane for his clinical finishing. “He is the go-to forward that is going to get you the goals,” Heskey added.
Challenges and opportunities ahead
As Kane moves into his 30s, questions about his mobility have emerged, but Heskey dismissed such concerns as inevitable with age: “You are talking about someone that is not as mobile as when he was in his early 20s, but who is?”
Kane will have to prove his worth to incoming England boss Thomas Tuchel, who is set to take over in 2025. Tuchel, familiar with Kane from their time at Bayern Munich, will oversee England’s qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup, where Kane’s leadership and scoring ability will be vital.
For now, Kane remains England’s “main man,” carrying the nation’s hopes as he aims to cement his legacy among the greatest international forwards in history.