Peter Shilton, of Mersea,  holds the record for the most appearances for England’s men’s team with 125 caps, has said Harry deserves to surpass him.

The message of support came during a special event at Ridgeway Rovers FC in North London, the club where Kane began his football journey at the age of six.

Mr Shilton said: "I've held the England men's cap record for quite a few years now, but if anyone deserves to overtake me, it's Harry.

"He's been an incredible servant and leader for so long now, and has scored plenty of goals along the way.

Legend - Peter Shilton speaking with youngsters (Image: Madame Tussauds London)

Looking good - Peter Shilton with the Harry Kane wax figure (Image: Madame Tussauds London)

"It's been great to spend time with Harry's Madame Tussauds London figure and the children at his first club Ridgeway Rovers - what a committed group of youngsters.”

The event was organised by Madame Tussauds London to celebrate his bid to set a new appearance record.

Mr Shilton was joined by Harry’s wax figure, which has been dressed in this year’s England men’s home kit and was unveiled at the attraction in June.

The gesture brought together two generations of footballing legends, both of whom have been immortalised at Madame Tussauds.

Mr Shilton’s figure was first unveiled in 1986.

Back in the 1980s - a younger Peter Shilton with his wax figure (Image: Madame Tussauds London)

Football Legend - Peter Shilton with Peter Shilton (Image: Madame Tussauds London)

Young players at Ridgeway Rovers, aged between seven and 14, were given the chance to meet Mr Shilton and see Harry's figure up close.

Steve Blackburn, general manager at Madame Tussauds London, said: "At Madame Tussauds London, we’re proud to celebrate the icons who have shaped British culture and sport, so it felt fitting to mark this historic footballing moment by bringing together Peter Shilton and our Harry Kane figure ahead of the England captain’s bid to become the nation’s most-capped men’s player.

"Returning Harry’s figure to Ridgeway Rovers, where his footballing journey began, and sharing that moment with Peter and the next generation of young players was a special way to celebrate football’s past, present and future."

Mr Shilton also suggested who the next England star could be to earn a wax figure.

He said: "The next England star to get a figure could be Jude Bellingham - he’s already got a number of caps and provided he watches those injuries, he should have a long England career."

Wax figure - Harry Kane MBE (Image: Madame Tussauds London)

Fans can see Kane’s wax figure at Madame Tussauds London this autumn and winter, with tickets starting from £27.

Outside of football, Mr Shilton founded a charity with his wife Steph earlier this year called Shilton's Silverlining.

It supports people with a gambling addiction and raises awareness of the problem.