Harry Kane is so much more than England’s top scorer
Harry Kane’s been bagging goals for England, while also emerging as the team’s leader. Can he lead the Three Lions to a second World Cup?
The race for the Golden Boot at Russia 2018 tells part of the story. Harry Kane leads all scorers at this tournament with six goals. Kane scored those goals in three games — two against Tunisia, a hat-trick versus Panama and one in the round of 16 clash against Colombia — as he has cemented his place as one of the best players at this tournament.
The 24-year-old Tottenham striker has played 276 minutes at this World Cup, meaning he’s scored a goal every 46 minutes. That’s a pretty impressive feat and one of the biggest reasons England are in the quarterfinals.
Kane has showed a level of generosity and selflessness often not seen in players in his position. Despite having done so much, Kane has remained humble. You can see it in his mannerisms on and off the field as well as when he answers reporters’ questions. These leadership qualities have allowed Kane to succeed, and more importantly, give England a winning mentality not seen in decades.
Winning the Golden Boot would be impressive for a man who has emerged as arguably one of the best English players of the past decade. What Kane wants is to win something bigger here in Russia. He’s not quite in the pantheon of all-time English greats at World Cup level like Gary Lineker, but he’s close. Kane has scored in his last six appearances, the first England player since striker Tommy Lawton did so in 1939.
“Obviously, you want to score goals and help the team … I am extremely proud of this achievement, but I want to get better and do more,” Kane said. “Hopefully, we still have a long way to go at this tournament … just looking forward to the next game.”
For even greater context, it’s worth noting Kane has already equaled the England record for goals in a a World Cup tournament, set by Lineker in 1986, and has scored more World Cup goals than every Englishman other than Lineker. That list includes such notables as Geoff Hurst and Michael Owen.
Kane is about so much more than scoring goals. While his club form this season was strong and England have benefited immensely from it in Russia, Kane has also matured into a leader. He showed character and displayed calm, even when Colombia tied the score in second half stoppage time to send the game to extra time and then penalties.
Manager Gareth Southgate made the right decision to make Kane team captain in May on the eve of this tournament. The fruits of that move could be seen Tuesday against Colombia. As was pointed out by Sky Sports, when Kane’s legs began to tire in extra time, he moved into a more withdrawn position and functioned more like a playmaker than a target man. His willingness to adapt to a situation and help out his teammates is a big reason England are succeeding at this World Cup. Those are the actions of a team player that don’t make the scoresheet.
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Kane’s been able to succeed because England aren’t a one-man show. There are too many talented players on this team who are contributing, including goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, and midfielders Jesse Lingard and Dele Alli. As captain, Kane has galvanized this group.
The quarterfinal match on Saturday against Sweden is another chance for Kane to score and show the world he’s trying to lead England to a World Cup title. Part of being a leader is making sure you and your players don’t get too ahead of themselves.
Whether all of Kane’s goals and leadership qualities will lead to another World Cup for England, the first since 1966, remains to be seen. For now, Kane has shown that he’s more than up to the task. As opponents get more difficult at this tournament, Kane could be tested again and again.
“We’ve ticked all the boxes do far,” Kane said. “We still have a long way to go.”