'Beginning of the end' for Harry Kane's England career, says Manchester United legend

Paul Scholes believes it could be “the beginning of the end” for Harry Kane after his performances during the international break for England.

The Three Lions captain came off the bench against Greece, after being left out in place of the far pacier Ollie Watkins, before coming back in, and scoring the opener in the 5-0 win against Ireland on Sunday at Wembley.

Despite scoring three times, Kane also struggled for form at Euro 2024, and Scholes feels like his time as England’s main man could soon be over.

Speaking on Stick to Football, he said: "It felt like the end of Harry Kane (during the international break) – the beginning of the end. He looked out of place in the team.

“When you get older you feel like everything happens a bit quicker around you and it looked a bit like that. But I don't know how we'd replace him."

Roy Keane offered a counter-argument to his former teammate’s view, saying: "He's only 31! We're talking about him like he's 35 or 36".

Scholes replied: “He just looks that way though, doesn't he?” Neville responded: “Alan Shearer, near the end, was a bit like that as well, wasn't he?"

Kane is England’s all-time top scorer with 69 goals, and has 17 in 16 this season for Bayern Munich, and believes he has plenty left in the tank, with the 2026 World Cup not being viewed as a swansong.

"I don't think (it will be my last chance)," he told Sky Sports. "There's sometimes a perception when you get into your thirties that you're coming to an end. But for me personally I'm performing at the highest level I've ever performed and feel as good as I've ever felt so it's about taking in the moment."

Kane will be reunited with his former Bayern manager, Thomas Tuchel, when England play their next game in 2025.