Rio Ferdinand has declared that, despite England’s abundance of top-tier talent under Thomas Tuchel, only Harry Kane can be considered a “genuinely world-class player.” The former Manchester United stalwart made the remark following the Three Lions’ emphatic 4-2 triumph over Croatia in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup on Wednesday.

Ferdinand singles out England’s standout performer

Although England’s squad features numerous stars who have lifted Premier League titles and competed in Champions League finals, Ferdinand believes that only captain Harry Kane has reached the game’s absolute summit. Speaking on his YouTube channel, the ex-England defender offered a frank evaluation of the players currently at Tuchel’s command as they chase World Cup success.

“Harry Kane is our only genuinely world-class player right now,” said Ferdinand, a six-time Premier League champion. “There are others hovering around that level, but he is the one who is truly world-class in this squad. If you’re talking about players who comfortably sit at the very top table, that’s him for England.”

Kane spearheads England’s Group L victory

England began their World Cup campaign with a convincing 4-2 win over Croatia, seizing early control of Group L. Kane was instrumental in the win, scoring twice in the first half to draw level with Gary Lineker as England’s all-time top scorer in World Cup finals. Despite goals from Marin Baturina and Petar Musa keeping Croatia in contention at the interval, England’s superior quality prevailed in the second half.

Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford added goals after the break to ensure a comfortable win for Tuchel’s side. The result places England in a commanding position ahead of upcoming group fixtures against Ghana and Panama, as they look to secure qualification for the knockout stages.

Lineker and Shearer salute record-equalling Kane

Ferdinand’s praise was echoed by fellow former internationals Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer, who both lauded the Bayern Munich striker’s achievements. Lineker, who now shares the World Cup scoring record with Kane, hailed the 32-year-old as England’s finest ever forward.

“Welcome to the double-figures club,” Lineker said on The Rest is Football podcast. “It’s fantastic – even if it took him one more World Cup to do it. Honestly, I think Harry Kane is the greatest English striker of all time. I’m genuinely thrilled he’s matched my record. His all-round contribution is what truly sets him apart.”

Shearer agreed with Lineker’s assessment, noting that Kane’s relentless pursuit of goals remains undiminished despite facing competition from the world’s most prolific scorers. “Harry Kane has seen [Lionel] Messi, [Kylian] Mbappe and [Erling] Haaland making instant impacts and scoring goals,” Shearer commented. “It’s only a matter of time before he breaks your record.”

England’s world-class debate continues

While Ferdinand maintains that Kane stands alone at the top, some may argue that Declan Rice or Jude Bellingham also deserve world-class recognition. Rice enters the tournament following a sensational season in which he guided Arsenal to a Premier League title and a Champions League final, while Bellingham has established himself as a key figure for Real Madrid. Nevertheless, Ferdinand insists that Kane’s enduring excellence and consistency set the benchmark for elite-level football.

Can England go all the way?

With a confident start and their captain in prolific form, England’s World Cup campaign is off to an ideal beginning. The challenge now will be to maintain momentum and prove Ferdinand’s faith in Kane’s world-class status justified as they pursue football’s ultimate prize.