Harry Kane has said becoming England’s all-time leading goalscorer “means everything”.

Kane surpassed Wayne Rooney’s tally of 53 goals for the men’s national team with a first-half penalty in the Euro 2024 qualifier in Naples against Italy.

The goal put England 2-0 up in the game.

After the match, Kane spoke of putting his World Cup frustration behind and of his joy at breaking the record.

“It means everything,” he told Channel 4.

“I was so excited to get the England shirt back on. It’s a great night, we haven’t won in Italy for so long so it’s a special night.”

Kane drew level with Rooney’s record when he scored a penalty against France at the World Cup, but he missed his second spot-kick in a quarter-final exit.

He said: “The World Cup was a difficult way to end but we feel like we’re one of the best teams in Europe

“I was on the pitch when Wayne broke the record and I know what it meant to him. I remember presenting the boot to Wayne when he broke the record and he said, ‘One day I’ll be giving this back to you’.”

“It had to be a penalty of course! When the ball hit the net there was so much emotion.

“Thanks to all the players, staff, fans, my wife, everyone back home who has helped me get to this stage.

“It’s a magical moment.”

The Tottenham forward made his debut for the Three Lions in 2015 and became the permanent captain in 2018.

Rooney called Kane a “great man, unbelievable goalscorer and an England legend” as he congratulated him.

Former England striker Gary Lineker, who scored 48 goals for his country, paid tribute to Kane on Twitter.

“Many congratulations to @HKane on becoming @England’s highest ever goal-scorer. A wonderful achievement.”

Kane’s 54th goal came after Declan Rice opened the scoring during a superb first-half display.

England ended up winning 2-1 to kick off European qualification with a victory at reigning champions Italy.

It was also England’s first win away to Italy since 1961.

England take on Ukraine in their next Euro 2024 qualifier at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.