Former England midfielder Jermaine Jenas believes Harry Kane has all the qualities to become one of his country’s greatest captains but insists the striker’s defining moment in an England shirt is still ahead of him.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with 10bet, Jenas compared Kane’s leadership to that of former England captain David Beckham, while highlighting the different ways both players have inspired the national team.
Jenas played alongside Beckham during England’s so-called “Golden Generation” and also witnessed Kane’s early development at Tottenham Hotspur before the striker established himself as one of world football’s leading forwards.
Beckham ‘led by example’
Reflecting on Beckham’s influence, Jenas described him as a leader who inspired those around him both on and off the pitch.
“Becks was a leader by example,” Jenas said. “He did a lot of beneficial stuff for you as a player away from the football pitch too.”
Jenas also pointed to the number of experienced figures England had during that era, including Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Paul Scholes, Rio Ferdinand and John Terry, which allowed Beckham to focus on leading through his performances.
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Kane’s leadership
While Beckham’s leadership style differed, Jenas believes Kane possesses many of the same qualities that define successful England captains.
“He was always a natural leader, Harry, because he just leads by example on and off the pitch as well.”
Jenas believes Kane belongs in the same conversation as some of England’s most respected captains, including Bryan Robson.
“When it comes to people that have led England, he’d have to be up there with a Bryan Robson-type vibe,” Jenas added.
Beckham still ‘England’s greatest captain’
However, the former Tottenham midfielder stopped short of calling Kane England’s greatest-ever captain, arguing that Beckham’s iconic moments in an England shirt still give him the edge.
Jenas pointed to Beckham’s famous stoppage-time free-kick against Greece that secured England’s place at the 2002 FIFA World Cup as the type of defining moment that shapes a captain’s legacy.
“Becks had some big moments,” Jenas said. “He had some huge moments in an England shirt where he literally just carried the nation.”
Kane’s destiny to become England’s greatest captain
Although Kane has inspired England to victories throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Jenas believes an even bigger moment still awaits the captain.
“Harry’s couple of goals the other day were massive, monstrous.
“I feel like he’s got something bigger in him, and when that happens, then the answer to your question will be a lot simpler,” Jenas concluded.
With England continuing their World Cup campaign, Kane has another opportunity to strengthen his legacy and potentially deliver the defining international moment that Jenas believes could elevate him alongside the greatest captains in the nation’s history.
Michael Davey 
Simon Wilkes