Joey Barton claims Wayne Rooney was ‘levels above’ England’s new record scorer Harry Kane

Joey Barton has argued that Wayne Rooney was in a ‘completely different stratosphere’ to Harry Kane after the Tottenham man overtook his England goal soring record.

Kane overtook Rooney when he scored his 54th England goal from the penalty spot against Italy in Naples last week, before adding a 55th against Ukraine on Sunday.

Despite his achievement, Barton felt Kane was a lesser player than the former United man, as he tweeted: ‘People comparing Wayne Rooney and Harry Kane? 

‘WR in a completely different stratosphere. Levels and levels and levels above.’

He then included a list of minor teams Kane had scored again and noted that 18 of his 55 goals were penalties, meaning that the striker only had ‘four goals in decent games’.

Harry Kane became England’s all-time record scorer with a penalty against Italy

The Tottenham man now has 55 international goals after adding another against Ukraine

Barton did not provide a similar list for Rooney, and failed to mention Kane’s excellent record at major competitions that includes a World Cup golden boot.

In another tweet, the Bristol Rovers manager added: ‘Respect what Harry Kane has done but let’s settle down on the Goal Record. 

‘Michael Owen, Alan Shearer, Gary Lineker, [were] all light years ahead as marksmen. Then Rooney just a well better player. 

‘The last World Class Englishman. Bellingham has a chance to be world class of current mob.’

The majority of ex-players seemed to disagree with Barton, with Rooney labelling Kane ‘an England legend’, while Lineker and Shearer both offered their congratulations.

For Joey Barton, the previous record holder Wayne Rooney is still the better player

The Bristol Rovers boss claimed Rooney is in a ‘completely different stratosphere’

He also listed a number of England forwards as better ‘marksmen’ than Kane

Even the ever-composed England captain seemed moved by his new record, as he said after the game: ‘It means everything. I was so excited to put the England shirt on, get back out here and get the campaign started for next year’s Euros. 

‘It had to be a penalty, and once it hit the back of the net, huge emotion. A magical moment.

‘It’s just a great night, we haven’t won in Italy for so long. To score and win is so special.’ 

 England will next be in action for two more Euro qualifying games against Malta and North Macedonia in June.