Jude Bellingham Sets New England Record for Most Goals in a Single Major Tournament

England midfielder Jude Bellingham has etched his name in the history books, setting a new record as the nation's highest-scoring player in a single major tournament. The Real Madrid star concluded the 2026 FIFA World Cup with an impressive seven goals, a tally that surpasses the previous records held by England legends Harry Kane and Gary Lineker.

Bellingham's remarkable goal-scoring run saw him find the net once each against Croatia and Panama during the group stage. He then added two goals against Mexico in the round of 16, followed by another brace in England's quarterfinal victory over Norway. His final goal came in England's dramatic 6-4 win against France in the third-place playoff at Miami Stadium.

This seven-goal haul makes Bellingham the first England player to achieve such a feat in a single major tournament. Harry Kane, who entered the third-place playoff match with six goals, was unable to add to his tally and match or surpass Bellingham's record as he was left out of the squad. Bellingham now stands two goals ahead of Alan Shearer, who scored five goals during England's Euro 1996 campaign.

Several other England players have scored four goals in a single major tournament, including Kane (Euro 2020), Gary Lineker (1990 World Cup), Wayne Rooney (Euro 2004), and Sir Geoff Hurst (1966 World Cup). Bukayo Saka also matched his 2022 World Cup goal count with a hat-trick against France in the third-place playoff, bringing his total in that match to three.

The article also provides a detailed list of England's top scorers in single major tournaments, highlighting Bellingham's new record and the achievements of other notable players throughout England's football history.