Tottenham's Harry Kane celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal during the English Premier League soccer match between West Bromwich Albion and Tottenham Hotspur at the Hawthorns in West Bromwich, England, Nov 8, 2020. (DAVE THOMPSON / POOL / AP)

England captain Harry Kane may not be too focused on individual records, but manager Gareth Southgate has backed the striker to surpass Wayne Rooney as their all-time top scorer.

The 27-year-old Kane has scored 32 goals for England since making his debut in 2015 and is on course to overtake Rooney, who retired from international duty with 53 goals.

In terms of what’s possible, the goal-scoring record is the interesting one because his strike rate for us is phenomenal and he has time on his side to chase Rooney’s record, which would be a remarkable feat.

Gareth Southgate, England's manager

Kane can add to his tally in his 50th appearance for England when they visit Belgium in the Nations League later on Sunday.

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“I know from his perspective, while the personal achievement is something he’s driven towards, it’s the team achievement. He’s so focused on the team having success and he would want to look back over the next few years at the team achieving.”

Belgium boss Roberto Martinez said that he was not surprised by the Tottenham Hotspur forward’s rise.

“I think he’s a complete striker, but it’s a wonderful story of seeing a young player develop - going out on loan, getting different experiences in different clubs and becoming this iconic player for Spurs, for England,” Martinez said.

“He’s evolved into one of the most clinical number nines in world football, and you’ve got a very modern target man in Kane - someone who can assist and play and has great finishing stats.

“He’s got the potential to achieve and I’d say the record of Rooney is quite clear, and it’s an impressive stat, but Kane is in a position to achieve that.”

England's manager Gareth Southgate waits for the start of the international friendly soccer match between England and Ireland at Wembley stadium in London, England, Nov 12, 2020. (BEN STANSALL / POOL PHOTO VIA AP)

'Passing ability as good as his finishing'

Earlier, Southgate said he was not surprised by the number of chances Kane has created for Tottenham Hotspur this season, adding that the striker’s passing ability has always been as good as his finishing.

Kane has scored seven goals and provided eight assists in eight Premier League matches for Spurs this season and Southgate said that he was delighted to have the 27-year-old firing on all cylinders for Sunday’s Nations League clash against Belgium.

He’s as good a provider and as good a passer as he is a finisher and he is, of course, an outstanding finisher.

Gareth Southgate

“I know there seems to be more emphasis or more spotlight on that part of his game now, but he’s definitely always had it,” Southgate told reporters.

“He’s as good a provider and passing ability has always been as good as his finishing. And he is, of course, an outstanding finisher.

“Clearly the combinations at club level with Son (Heung-min), in particular (are impressive). When you’ve got runners going beyond him, he’ll find the passes. So we’re privileged to have him... it’s great to see him hitting that sort of form.”

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“Harry’s scoring record for us is phenomenal. You always know, going into a game with the likes of him and Raheem (Sterling), that we’ve got tremendous goal threat now, which a lot countries would be delighted to have.”

After Sunday’s clash against Belgium, England take on Iceland at Wembley Stadium three day later.