A fortnight of huge achievements
Harry Kane is enjoying a remarkable period in his career. The 33 year old England captain recently won the men's Ballon d'Or for the first time. He also signed a new contract with Bayern Munich through to 2029, earning more than 30 million Euros per year.
On Thursday, Kane will lead England against Croatia. This match will make him the all time appearance record holder for his country. He will surpass goalkeeper Peter Shilton, who held the record of 125 caps for more than three decades. Outfield stars like Wayne Rooney with 120 caps and David Beckham with 115 caps were unable to reach that mark.
Record striker for club and country
Kane has already smashed England's scoring record. Sir Bobby Charlton held the record with 49 goals for 45 years before Wayne Rooney reached 53. Kane now stands on 91 goals for England, and he continues to add to that total. He has captained England to back to back European Championship finals and a third place finish at the recent World Cup.
His club career is equally impressive. Kane left Tottenham Hotspur after 19 years to join Bayern Munich for 120 million Euros in August 2023. Since moving to Germany, he has scored 156 goals in 161 matches. That is more than any other player across Europe's top five leagues in that period.
From early rejection to the top
His path to glory was not straightforward. Born in Leytonstone in July 1993, Kane started at local club Ridgeway Rovers. He joined Arsenal at seven but was released at nine because former academy director Liam Brady claimed he was a bit chubby. He returned to Ridgeway before joining Tottenham Hotspur at the age of 11.
Former Spurs coach Clive Allen spent hours doing extra finishing sessions with a young Kane. Allen recalled how Kane had an unbelievable appetite for improving himself, quickly learning angles and mastering his shooting technique.
Thomas Tuchel, who managed Kane at Bayern Munich and now leads England, noted how moving to Germany pushed Kane out of his comfort zone. Tuchel said it seems to have brought out the very, very best in him, turning Kane into a hugely influential figure.
Read next
- Football predictions today
- Jackpot predictions this week
- Premier League and every other league
- Premier League official website
Good to know: We are not paid for any link on this page.
Be the first to comment
Tell us who you think wins and why. Keep it friendly. Links are removed on their own.
Note: comments are the writer own opinion, not ours, and never a tip from us.
18+Read this before you bet
- There are no sure bets. Every tip on this page is a chance worked out from data about the next game. A tip at 70 percent still loses about three times in ten. Anyone selling a sure bet or a fixed match is lying.
- Betting is not income. Never bet to pay rent, school fees or a loan, and never borrow to bet, including from mobile loan apps.
- 18 and over only. Betting under 18 is illegal in Kenya.
- Use licensed bookmakers. Only bet with operators licensed by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Kenya. Prices here can change before you bet, so check them first.
- Gambling can be addictive. If it stops being fun, stop. Read our responsible betting page or visit Responsible Gaming Federation of Kenya.
Good to know: We are not a bookmaker and we do not take bets. Full details are in our disclaimer.
