He is no longer just a classic "number 9": Kane leads, creates, scores and is playing the most complete football of his career.
Harry Kane continues to make the difference for England at the 2026 World Cup.
His two goals in a 2-1 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo secured Thomas Tuchel's side's qualification for the last 16, but also highlighted once again the English's dependence on their captain.
In a match where England struggled for time, Kane emerged at the decisive moment. First with a header, then with a powerful strike to score the winning goal, taking his tally of goals at the World Cup to five.
With this brace, the Bayern Munich striker continues the season with 72 goals in total, a figure that places him among the most productive seasons in the history of modern football. Only Lionel Messi, with 82 goals in the 2011-2012 season, has registered more.
But Kane's impact is no longer measured by statistics alone.
In recent years, he has transformed from a classic "number 9" into a player who participates in every phase of the game. He drops into midfield to build up plays, create space for his teammates and continues to be the most dangerous point in the opposition's area.
This is precisely what makes him one of the most complete players in world football today.
Meanwhile, England's form continues to be a question mark. After a convincing World Cup debut, Thomas Tuchel's side have struggled against Ghana, Panama and now Congo, showing a lack of creative playmaking and a clear reliance on Kane's individual inspiration.
Even Jude Bellingham, one of the team's biggest stars, has failed to make the expected impact in the knockout stage.
In this context, Kane has become England's technical and emotional leader. Beyond goals, he is the player who keeps the team's rhythm and the one his teammates turn to in the most difficult moments.
If in the past his career was often associated with a lack of trophies during his years at Tottenham, today the experience at Bayern Munich seems to have taken him to another level.
At the age of 32, Harry Kane is no longer considered just one of the best strikers in the world.
He is playing the most complete football of his career and, for now, remains England's strongest weapon on the road to their dream of a world title.