Harry Kane should be knighted for leadership, says MP

A parliamentary motion calling for England captain Harry Kane to be knighted has been tabled by an MP.

Liberal Democrat MP for Oxford West and Abingdon Layla Moran submitted her early day motion (EDM) on "Potential merits of a knighthood for Harry Kane" following his two goals in England's win over DR Congo on Wednesday.

She said Kane had shown "inspirational leadership on and off the pitch". However critics on social media said it was "too soon" for an honour.

Kane extended his record for the most goals scored for the England men's national team at World Cups following his penalty in Monday's 3-2 win over Mexico, taking his tally to 14 goals in 16 games.

Moran's motion states: "That this House recognises the efforts of Harry Kane in England's game against the Democratic Republic of Congo at the FIFA World Cup on Wednesday evening; celebrates the work of the England team in their 2026 World Cup campaign so far."

It notes that Kane "has now scored more goals than Pelé at world cups".

As of Monday, the motion had five supporters.

Posting on social media, Moran said: "I hope MPs from across the house will join with me in my calls for Sir Harry Kane."

Among the comments posted in reply, one users said a knighthood would be "a fitting reward for years of sustained excellence".

"Knighthood - of course," said another.

However others urged the MP to "devote your energy into important local issues like making the A34 safer to drive".

"He's a striker, thats his job," posted another.

Former England captain David Beckham was the 16th men's footballer to be knighted.

Other players who have been knighted include Sir Kenny Dalglish and Sir Geoff Hurst.

No matter how many MPs sign up to an EDM there is no guarantee that it will be debated in Parliament.

EDMs are seen as a means for MPs to express their opinion on a subject and to canvass support for their views.