Harry Kane has paid tribute to Wayne Rooney as the current England skipper made more history during the 2-1 away win over Italy in Naples as he became the Three Lions' all-time top goal-scorer.
Kane's first-half penalty was enough to seal his place in the history books and put him on a total tally of 54 strikes for his country, one more than previous record-holder Rooney. The England skipper enjoyed a positive display, which went a long way to helping his nation register their first win in Italy since 1961.
It also ended a run of 31 European Championship qualification games without defeat for the hosts, who made England work for the win in what was a hard-fought, close encounter.
Just what the goal meant to Kane was etched all over his face as he wheeled away in celebration after getting the better of Gianluigi Donnarumma and his imposing presence from 12 yards.
Shortly after Kane scored the goal, Rooney took to Twitter to write: "Congratulations to @HKane on becoming @England's all-time leading goalscorer. I knew it wouldn’t take long but that was quick. Great man, unbelievable goalscorer and an England legend. Congrats Harry."
In response, Kane told Channel 4 : " Big thanks. Obviously I was on the pitch when Wayne broke the record and I know what it meant to him, was so proud of him. Just a great England legend so to hear that is fantastic."
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In many ways it was fitting that the record-breaking goal came from the spot given his spot-kick heartache during the quarter-final defeat against France in last year's World Cup.
After that miss in Qatar, Kane confessed it was an error that would haunt him for the rest of his days and in the aftermath he just wanted to play another game as soon as possible.
However, he laid some of those penalty demons to rest in Naples and addressed as much after the game.
"I was so excited to put the England shirt back on and get back out here, start the campaign for the Euros next year and it had to be a penalty, of course," Kane joked.
"Once it hit the back of the net just huge emotion - huge thanks to all the players, the staff, the fans, my wife, my family back home, everybody who’s helped me get to this stage. It’s a magical moment."
Between the penalty miss against France and tonight's historic effort against Roberto Mancini's Azzurri, Kane also secured his place as Tottenham's all-time top-scorer back in February with a goal against reigning champions Manchester City.
While Kane and his record will dominate the headlines, it was actually Declan Rice that sent England on their way with the opening goal. It marked a perfect response from the Hammers ace after Graeme Souness recently inisted the midfielder doesn't find the net often enough.
