Harry Kane on the level of Lionel Messi? Gordon makes a big GOAT comparison after England win

Anthony Gordon hailed Harry Kane as operating at the “absolute, absolute pinnacle of football” after the England skipper’s crucial brace helped seal a dramatic World Cup play-off win over DR Congo. The result is the placement of England in 16th place, where they will face co-host Mexico on July 6 at the Estadio Azteca.

FIFA World Cup England vs DR Congo: Highlights

The game itself swung wildly from English discomfort to late controlwith Kane proving to be the difference maker after a testing night against a disciplined DR Congo side.

Gordon was full of admiration as he reflected on Kane’s influence in the dressing room and on the pitch, placing the forward in rare historical company alongside Lionel Messi.

“Yeah, it’s amazing to be with him every day because when you’re with someone at such an elite level, he’s at the very top of football,” Gordon said after the game. “He’s had a season that has only been bettered by Lionel Messi, the greatest footballer of all time, so that speaks volumes for the level he’s playing at.”

Anthony Gordon: Harry Kane is enjoying a season only surpassed by Lionel Messi, the greatest footballer of all time. pic.twitter.com/KinXyTohZb— GoalAlert HQ (@GoalAlertHQ) July 1, 2026

Harry Kane surpassed Cristiano Ronaldo’s 69 goals in a single season to take his record to 72 goals this campaign, including five in four appearances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His remarkable scoring haul now places him second only to Lionel Messi’s record of 91 goals in a single season among active players.

“That’s what you see every day in practice and in games. You quickly realize it’s not luck, it’s consistency. He’s relentless in the way he works, the way he finishes, the way he prepares. You learn from it just by being there.”

These comments underline Kane’s continued development as an England leader, with his influence extending beyond goals to the standards and mentality within the squad.

DEPUTY GORDON RAISES THE BAR

Gordon turned the game around after coming on as a substitute (Photo Instagram/ @anthonygordon)

Just when England’s attack was starting to look flat and predictable, Thomas Tuchel changed the rhythm from the touchline. Anthony Gordon’s introduction proved to be the turning point as England finally found the spark they had been missing. Thrown into the action alongside Bukayo Saka, the Barcelona winger immediately changed the pace and with his movement, direct running and sharp decision-making in the final third he stretched DR Congo.

Gordon’s impact was immediate and decisive. A perfectly timed cross from the left that Harry Kane met with a folded header into the bottom left corner, finally breaking Mpasi’s resistance. It was the kind of delivery England lacked all night in Harry Kane’s service and Gordon’s quality stood out in a tight and tense knockout clash.

He wasn’t done there. With England pushing DR Congo back, Gordon again found space in the danger area and showed great attention to pick out Kane on the edge of the box. Tthe England captain made no mistake and fired a powerful finish into the top right corner to complete the turnaround.

From the moment he stepped on the field, Gordon changed the game. His creativity and precision provided the platform for Kane’s brace to turn a frustrating evening into a dramatic comeback for England.

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Published on:

Jul 02, 2026 03:43 IST