England forward Harry Kane has suggested that he has not given any thought to eventually cutting short his international career.
The Bayern Munich frontman was again on the scoresheet in a Three Lions shirt as Lee Carsley concluded his interim reign with a 5-0 victory over Republic of Ireland in the UEFA Nations League on Sunday evening.
In doing so, Kane further extended his record-breaking stint on the international scene, netting his 69th goal from 103 appearances.
However, at the age of 31, there are naturally question marks over how long Kane sees himself competing for both his country and for his club, whether that be Bayern or an alternative.
Kane has now made a combined total of 664 appearances despite only turning his current age in July, there now the possibility that he will be well past 700 when the 2026 World Cup comes around.
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Does Kane have a plan?
England are about to begin a new era under Thomas Tuchel, who has been provided with an 18-month contract by the Football Association with the sole focus being on lifting the Jules Rimet trophy.
Just weeks after the conclusion of that competition, Kane will be 33-years-old, but it appears that he is not giving any consideration to calling a halt to representing his nation.
Speaking at the unveiling of a statue and a mural of him at the Peter May Sports Centre in east London, as quoted by PA, Kane said: "I don't think so (responding to international retirement talk in 2026).
"I think there's a perception when you get to your 30s that you're coming to an end, but for me 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.
"I don't like to look too far ahead and in my career, I never have, the [2026] World Cup is going to be exciting.
"In America it will be an incredible occasion and ultimately it's about trying to win that, looking at where you are, where to improve and it will be no different in a couple of years."
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Following Messi, Ronaldo's lead?
Kane reiterated the importance of representing England last week when there were an array of withdrawals from the squad to face Greece and Republic of Ireland.
Providing that he avoids any significant international issues, it is realistic to think that Kane will follow in the paths of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Messi, despite winning the 2022 World Cup with Argentina, has continued on the international scene and racked up 112 goals from his 190 appearances.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo has accumulated 135 strikes from his 217 caps for Portugal. As recently as last week, the 39-year-old broke yet another international record.
Darren Plant
