Harry Kane is poised to equal England’s all-time appearance record as his increasingly influential partnership with Jude Bellingham gives Thomas Tuchel fresh hope of ending the country’s long wait for a major trophy.
Kane is set to earn his 125th cap against the Czech Republic at Wembley on Tuesday, drawing level with former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton.
The England captain has been a central figure for his country since making his international debut against Lithuania in 2015. He scored within two minutes of coming off the bench that night and has since established himself as one of the most prolific players in England history.
Now 33, Kane is England’s record goalscorer with 89 goals after scoring twice in Saturday’s emphatic 7-0 victory over Croatia.
The Bayern Munich striker has remained England’s attacking talisman through several managerial eras. Roy Hodgson handed Kane his debut before he went on to represent his country under Sam Allardyce, Gareth Southgate, Lee Carsley and now Tuchel.
However, Kane’s remarkable consistency has yet to deliver the major international trophy England have been chasing since winning the 1966 World Cup.
England suffered European Championship final defeats in 2021 and 2024, while their latest World Cup campaign ended with a painful semi-final loss to Argentina.
If Kane is to follow Bobby Moore as only the second male England captain to lift a major trophy, Bellingham could prove crucial.
Bellingham’s position in the national team looked far less secure in October 2025 when he was dropped from Tuchel’s squad.
The Real Madrid midfielder had frustrated the England manager with some of his volatile behaviour on the pitch, but eventually fought his way back into contention ahead of the World Cup in June and July.
Bellingham went on to finish as England’s leading scorer at the tournament, although their campaign ended in semi-final heartbreak against Argentina.
Tuchel faced significant criticism for his defensive approach during the closing stages of that defeat. Since then, the England manager has placed greater emphasis on maintaining an attacking mentality, with Kane and Bellingham at the centre of that approach.
Their importance was underlined during England’s demolition of Croatia.
Bellingham produced a commanding performance in Rijeka, scoring once and providing three assists as England cruised to a 7-0 victory.
Former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane believes the 23-year-old has the potential to become one of football’s all-time greats.
“At this moment in time, he is an amazing footballer. The package, his running power, his delivery, his goal threat,” Keane said.
Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, who made his first England start alongside Bellingham and Elliot Anderson against Croatia, was equally impressed.
“Honestly, I’ve never seen anything like it,” Scott said.
“He’s even better in person, seeing it up close and being on the same pitch as him, he’s the best midfielder in the world.
“On the pitch, his ability is scary and that’s the benchmark we need to live up to.”
England winger Bukayo Saka also praised Bellingham’s performance, describing his display as “special”.
Tuchel believes the understanding between Kane and Bellingham has strengthened both on and off the pitch in recent months.
That connection is increasingly translating into goals and creativity for England.
Bellingham even inherited the captain’s armband when Kane was substituted late in the victory over Croatia, further highlighting his growing influence within the team.
“They get better and better. They love playing with each other. They understand each other better,” Tuchel said.
The England manager also revealed that Bellingham has been given a more advanced role since the World Cup.
“We adjusted our positioning a little bit after the World Cup. Jude almost plays a little bit more offensive for us. That’s where I see him in the most dangerous position.”
With Euro 2028 approaching, England’s ambitions could depend heavily on keeping Kane fit and allowing Bellingham to flourish in his more attacking role.
Kane remains the established leader and record-breaking goalscorer, while Bellingham is emerging as the creative force capable of transforming England’s attack.
After years of near misses, their growing partnership could be central to whether England finally turn tournament promise into silverware.
