It was the source of derision for some in the lead-up to England’s World Cup opener against Tunisia. Having watched Cristiano Ronaldo score a hat-trick for Portugal against Spain, Harry Kane made some bullish remarks about a potential Golden Boot race between himself and the current Ballon d’Or holder.
“For sure, he’s [Ronaldo] put me under a bit of pressure,” the striker commented with complete self-assurance. Some mocked Kane for being so bold. But with two goals in England’s win over Tunisia on Monday night, the striker’s premonition might well come true. It could be between him and Ronaldo to be named the World Cup’s top scorer.
Kane is England’s best out-and-out goalscorer in a generation. He has already scored more in one World Cup than Wayne Rooney did over the course of the 2006, 2010 and 2014 tournaments. In major tournament terms, Kane is already in course to match the achievements of players like Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker.
Both players are defined by what they did for the Three Lions at World Cups and European Championships. At Euro 2016, Kane struggled to make an impression, failing to find the net in four appearances. But the Spurs striker now looks to have put that experience behind him and used it to grow into an even better, even more confident frontman.
“If he hadn't scored, I'd be answering questions about his ability to score in tournament football,” Gareth Southgate said of his captain after his brace against Tunisia on Monday night. “The only thing he hasn't done now is score in August. He's moved every other barrier, and I'm personally delighted for him. I know he will feel the pride in leading his country to a win in a World Cup match, which is the most important thing.”
In terms of style, Kane isn’t actually the most natural of fits for this England team. With Dele Alli, Jesse Lingard, Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling all options in the final third, England are at their best when they play with pace, allowing their speedsters to open out their legs. Kane isn’t someone who thrives on the counter attack.
But he brings some crucial variety to England’s attacking play and knows how to get the best out of others around him just as much as they know how to get the best out of him. Kane is England’s leader at this World Cup and he could yet join the likes of Lineker and Shearer in the pantheon of great major tournament marksmen who have turned out for the Three Lions.