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Harry Kane has been told to look at Cristiano Ronaldo as a warning sign when it comes to the World Cup, with Chris Waddle telling GOAL that playing for England at the 2030 World Cup would be a “big ask” for the Three Lions’ record-breaking captain. Kane has shown no signs of slowing down for club or country, but questions are still being raised about how long his international career can continue.

History-making goalscorer and England appearance record in sight

The expectation is that, after captaining England to a third-place finish at the 2026 World Cup, Kane will continue to play a major role on the road to, and during, a home European Championship in the summer of 2028.

By that stage, Kane is expected to have added even more to his legacy. He is already England’s all-time leading goalscorer with 85 goals, and he is only four caps away from equalling Peter Shilton’s all-time record of 125 appearances.

Thomas Tuchel is set to keep relying on the Bayern Munich striker for attacking inspiration, especially with very few alternative No.9 options available, but Kane, who recently turned 33, cannot carry on forever.

Can Kane match the longevity of Ronaldo and Messi?

All-time greats Ronaldo and Lionel Messi did appear at the last World Cup at the ages of 41 and 39 respectively, but they have always been exceptions rather than the norm. The question is whether Kane can follow in their famous footsteps and enjoy that same kind of longevity.

When that question was put to Waddle, while taking into account another four-year cycle, the former England star - speaking in association with BetBrain - told GOAL: “Fitness is a great thing to have. Some players develop, get better as they get older. Some find it easier. Not easier, but easy.

“We'll see how his legs are in two years' time, at the Euros even. People will be questioning that. The thing with Harry's advantage is he's a fit lad, we know that. He doesn't rely on pace. He's got a great football brain.

“Sometimes you see players in tournaments and you think, ‘His legs are going there’. I'm looking at Ronaldo as an example. I watched Portugal play in the World Cup and his legs were gone in my eyes for that level of football. Lionel Messi still had bits of brilliance until the rest of his team-mates decided to try and kick everybody out of the country.

“So I think there's a time and a place where you've actually got to think, ‘Yeah, he can still play, and he can still play like Messi does in Miami, a good level for him’. You know, Ronaldo in Saudi can still handle it. And Harry, eventually he'll come to a time where you think the Bundesliga is too quick. Where do you go from there?

“The next World Cup, it's a big ask for him, I think, to play in that tournament. I think some of these players can think, ‘Yeah, I'm still playing football, but that level's out of me now, and I've enjoyed it’. I think some of these players try and play too long and it doesn't look great on them. But I'm sure Harry will know when the time's right to say, ‘No, I can't play for England anymore’.”

Will Kane represent England at the 2030 World Cup?

Kane, who made his senior England debut in 2015, said when asked about the possibility of appearing at a fourth World Cup: “I'm coming off the back of my best season ever and I'm turning 33. It's impossible to say, four years is such a long way away.

“I've said it before, playing for England is my biggest ambition. I feel as good as I've ever felt. Let's see. I never put a limit on these things. As long as I'm performing the way I am, then I'll be representing England. But, four years is a long time. I'm not getting carried away.”

England fixtures: Nations League clash with Spain next up

England are expected to let Kane decide his own future, with that right earned through his outstanding service over the years. He will be allowed to continue for as long as he believes he can still make a meaningful contribution.

Before the Three Lions begin their latest UEFA Nations League campaign against world champions Spain on September 26, Kane will return to club duty with Bundesliga title holders Bayern Munich, while Ballon d’Or talk continues to surround him.