Rooney: Kane will not slow down ahead of World Cup

Wayne Rooney does not see Harry Kane easing off as he prepares to lead England at the World Cup.

Kane, who was rested for England’s 1-1 draw with Uruguay on Friday, has plundered 48 goals for Bayern Munich in all competitions this season since last summer’s Club World Cup.

The 32-year-old is the leading goalscorer for a team in Europe’s top five leagues across all competitions this term.

Kane has scored 10 goals across his last 10 international appearances, while he could score 2+ goals in successive matches for the national team for the first time since November 2021 against Albania (three) and San Marino (four).

And Rooney, who Kane surpassed as England’s record goalscorer, feels there is little chance of the Bayern star slowing down just because he has a major international tournament coming up.

“I think such an important aspect for England is having Harry Kane fit, and if he is, then he’ll be a major reason why we do win it if we do,” Rooney told the Press Association.

“But if you go into any game and you’re not fully committed to that game because you’re thinking of something else, then you potentially could get injured.

“Any player will tell you that you’re playing for your club, and when you’re playing for your club, that’s all that matters until that season is over, then you go away with England, then England takes over.

“I don’t think he’ll be slowing down. Hopefully, Bayern Munich have the league won quite early, and [head coach] Vincent Kompany gives him a little bit of help.”

Kane has netted 31 Bundesliga goals this season, meaning he is 10 short of the record for a single campaign in the competition, set by former Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski.