During the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, England faced Panama on June 24, 2018, in Nizhny Novgorod. Harry Kane scored a hat-trick, leading England to a 6-1 victory. This performance set a record for the most goals by an England player in a single World Cup tournament, with Kane finishing on six goals overall, winning the Golden Boot.
Kane's hat-trick included two penalties and a deflected shot. The match was notable for England's highest ever World Cup score, and Kane's goals helped secure England's place in the knockout stages. The record for most goals in a single World Cup by an England player was previously held by Gary Lineker with six in 1986, which Kane matched and then exceeded with his sixth goal in the tournament.
As of June 2026, Kane's record stands as the most goals by an England player in a single World Cup. He also holds the record for most England goals overall, surpassing Wayne Rooney's 53 goals in 2023. Kane's performance against Panama remains a highlight of his international career.
