Harry Kane to wear different kit from England team-mates against Croatia because of little-known World Cup rule

Harry Kane’s England kit will look slightly different to his teammates’ during the Three Lions’ World Cup opener against Croatia – and there’s an interesting reason why.

England get their Group L campaign underway against old foes Croatia in Arlington, Texas, on Wednesday, June 17, with Thomas Tuchel likely to make several big selection calls ahead of kick-off.

It has been widely reported that the German will favour Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke over Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka in attack, while Marc Guéhi is set to be left out, with Ezri Konsa expected to partner John Stones in central defence.

Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham is expected to start in the No. 10 role, with Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson behind him in midfield.

READ MORE: England to play extra World Cup match as Thomas Tuchel makes unprecedented decision

Stalwarts Jordan Pickford and captain Kane are also expected to start, with Reece James and Nico O'Reilly likely to get the nod at full-back.

Kane will move level with David Beckham as England’s third-highest appearance-maker when he starts against Croatia, with the Bayern Munich striker set to earn his 115th cap.

Speaking about the achievement, Kane told ITV: “For me personally, to be where I am now, it’s always hard to really take it all in.

“When you’re young, especially at that age, I think I was 10 or 11 years old, you just have dreams and aspirations of trying to become a footballer.

“Now to be hopefully making 115 caps and going to my sixth tournament, being captain for as long as I have, the goalscoring record, all these things that I’ve managed to achieve along the way are extremely proud things, but things I won’t truly be able to appreciate until whenever I stop because, as you guys know, it’s just about the next thing, the next moment.

“Being better, improving, and that will be my mindset until the day that I stop playing.”

Why is Kane wearing a different kit to England team-mates?

While Kane matching Beckham’s appearance record will no doubt be well documented, fans may not know why the England skipper will wear a slightly different kit to the rest of the squad.

Kane’s England shirt will feature a special Golden Boot patch throughout the World Cup, as he is one of only three players – alongside Kylian Mbappé and James Rodríguez – to have previously won the award.

The England captain claimed the Golden Boot at the 2018 World Cup, while Mbappé and Rodríguez won the accolade in 2022 and 2014 respectively.

Players making their World Cup debut will also wear a debut patch to mark their first appearances at the tournament.

The patches are then removed after the matches and placed in a Topps trading card.

Speaking in May, FIFA chief Gianni Infantino announced FIFA’s partnership with Fanatics – the parent company of Topps – which will begin in 2031, ending their previous partnership with Panini.

“This deal starts only in a few years and will run for several years and various tournaments, but it also includes the first-ever players jersey patch program that will actually kick off at this upcoming FIFA World Cup,” Infantino said.