Harry Kane is close to earning his 100th England cap. Kane is reflecting on his extraordinary national team career as he prepares for Tuesday’s encounter against Finland at Wembley, when he’ll earn a golden cap from the Football Association.
Kane has been an English football star since his March 2015 debut, when he scored 79 seconds after being a replacement against Lithuania.
He became England’s all-time highest goalscorer with 66 in March 2023 with a penalty against Italy, surpassing Wayne Rooney. Kane says, “I don’t think I could have dreamed it any better,” recalling his debut and many other instances.
Kane considers his Euro 2020 last-16 win over Germany and his 2018 World Cup opener header against Tunisia career highlights. He considers his 2021 long-range goal against Poland one of his best, demonstrating his versatility.
Kane’s ascension hasn’t been easy. He had early misgivings after Arsenal rejected him at eight and Spurs almost released him during his academy days.
Kane remained optimistic despite difficult loan periods at Norwich and Leicester. His success today is due to his tireless dedication and work ethic. “It’s always about proving people wrong,” he says, motivating him throughout his path.
Kane is inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi’s 20-year consistency. He works hard to improve by finishing more and using data. “It’s about realistic training,” Kane says, focusing on game circumstances to improve his goal-scoring instincts.
Kane says he’s confident in his ability after scoring three goals to share Euro 2024’s Golden Boot despite problems. Kane, 31, feels in peak physical and mental shape and wants to keep producing at the highest level like Ronaldo, who stays at the top until his late 30s.
Kane contemplates the path and the figures as he approaches this milestone. Kane’s ambition to prove naysayers wrong and become England’s best is stronger than ever. He calls football a “happy place” where perfection is always sought.
