Harry Kane keeps breaking records. Wayne Rooney is more concerned about what happens if he keeps playing every minute.
England’s all-time leading goalscorer believes Thomas Tuchel must begin managing Kane’s workload more carefully if the Three Lions are to maximise their chances of lifting the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Rooney fears England could once again reach the latter stages only to find their captain running on empty.
The warning came after England wrapped up top spot in Group L with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Panama. Jude Bellingham broke the deadlock shortly after the restart before Kane powered home a header in the 67th minute to seal the win.
The goal carried extra significance. It took Kane to 11 World Cup goals, moving him past Gary Lineker as England’s all-time leading scorer in the tournament’s history. Another record had fallen, but Rooney’s attention quickly shifted from celebration to preservation.
Kane remained on the pitch until the 84th minute before finally being substituted. Rooney felt that was 17 minutes too late.
“In past tournaments, Harry Kane has appeared somewhat fatigued towards the end,” Rooney said on BBC One.
“He was substituted in the 84th minute, right after he scored, and with England leading 2-0, the match was effectively over, so he should have been taken off.
“Even with 20 minutes left, that is when fatigue sets in, and it can take a toll on you.”
Rooney’s concern is rooted in experience rather than criticism. Kane has been England’s focal point for nearly a decade, carrying the goalscoring burden through multiple major tournaments. As England continue their pursuit of World Cup glory, every unnecessary minute could become significant when the competition reaches its decisive stages.
The former Manchester United captain also pointed to the race for the Golden Boot as another factor managers must guard against. With Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior and Kane all chasing the tournament’s top scorer award, there is always the temptation to leave star forwards on the pitch longer than necessary.
“We are in danger now of entering a World Cup where players like Ronaldo, Messi, Mbappe, Harry Kane and Vini Jr are all vying for the Golden Boot,” Rooney said.
“We witnessed Gareth Southgate’s reluctance to substitute Kane. I hope Tuchel takes note and allows him to rest when the opportunity arises.”
England now turn their attention to the Round of 32, where they will face DR Congo in Atlanta. On paper, the Three Lions will start as favourites, but Rooney’s message is clear. Tournament football is often decided not by who starts strongest, but by who still has enough left when the biggest matches arrive.
For Tuchel, balancing Kane’s pursuit of more records with England’s pursuit of the World Cup could prove to be one of the defining decisions of the tournament. Galaxy Sports Production
Should we send you latest update about your favourite sports and team?
Enter you email in the box below and hit the subscribe button to join our teaming 876+ sports community.
