Confidence Over Technical Improvement
Former England manager Gareth Southgate believes Harry Kane has not necessarily become a better player over the last two years. Instead, the striker simply has far more self belief now.
Kane and Southgate suffered painful moments together, losing both the 2021 and 2024 European Championship finals with England.
When Kane moved from Tottenham to Bayern Munich in 2023, his wait for a major trophy continued briefly. Bayer Leverkusen claimed the Bundesliga title in his first season in Germany.
A Prediction That Came True
Things changed quickly for the England captain after that initial setback. Kane went on to win two league titles with Bayern Munich and took home the Ballon d'Or last month.
Southgate recalled a conversation he had with the striker the day after losing the Euro 2024 final. He told Kane that by the following year, he would win the league with Bayern and feel completely different about things.
Southgate told ITV that while he does not see a better player on the pitch, he sees a man who truly believes he can win. He noted that being voted the best player in the world by peers and experts gives a player a massive confidence boost, especially for someone who was once told he might not make it as a professional.
Record Scoring and Trophy Success
At 33 years old, Kane beat Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal to secure the Ballon d'Or. He became the first English player to win the award in 25 years.
His record included scoring 73 goals last season as Bayern Munich captured the Bundesliga title and reached the Champions League semifinals.
On the international stage, Kane led England to a third place finish at the World Cup in the United States after their run to the semifinals.
Credit To The Player
Southgate expressed delight for his former captain and his family after watching him receive the global honor.
He stated that while coaches help along the way, the players themselves must apply the advice, put in the long hours, and show complete commitment to reach the top.
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