After the pain and grief of the World Cup in Russia, England will be hoping to end five decades of misery when they kick-off against Croatia in their first match of Euro 2020, but will their talismanic captain Harry Kane be there too?.
England made it to the semi-finals in Russia in 2018. They had achieved this feat after 1990, but they couldn’t get past the Croatian team and be knocked out of the tournament.
The #WorldCup dream ends for this brave #ThreeLions squad.
Congratulations to Croatia on reaching the final. pic.twitter.com/TvwTCmawVV
— England (@England) July 11, 2018
After the conclusion of the UEFA Nations League, the Three Lions regrouped and switched their attention on preparing for Euro 2020, recognizing that the final will be held at Wembley and they could have a great chance at winning the competition.
One player who could turn around England’s fortune is their captain, Harry Kane. The talismanic striker has been in fine touch for Spurs this season scoring 21 goals in the Premier League.
HARRY KANE FOR SPURS AND THE THREE LIONS.
Kane, who was raised and educated in the English county of Waltham Forest, started his professional journey with Tottenham Hotspur. The young Englishman was recruited to the senior squad in 2009, at a very young age, after quickly progressing through the club’s academy system.
He was handed out on numerous occasions to teams throughout the English league and did not make his debut for the North London side for a long time. But when Mauricio Pochettino took in charge of Spurs in 2014, Kane’s presence at Tottenham started to grow.
Kane netted 31 times in the tournaments he played in his first regular year at Spurs. He ranked second on the list of top scorers in the Premier League. Kane was also voted PFA Young Player of the Year that season.
So proud to be named @PFA young player of the year!So many people I could thank!A special night I won't forget! #PFA pic.twitter.com/HYRLPUPxr8
— Harry Kane (@HKane) April 26, 2015
Kane has been a crucial member for both club and country since his debut. Once called a one-season wonder, Harry Kane has been Tottenham’s top scorer for the past 6 seasons. He is the perfect number 9 for Gareth Southgate and could make the difference for England in the upcoming Euros. Kane scored 6 goals for his country in the 2018 World Cup and helped his side reach the semi-finals.
For the three lions, Kane has been in exceptional form off-late. He is 6th on the list of top scorers for England with 34 goals and is not far behind Wayne Rooney who leads the list with 53 goals.
WHY IS KANE SO CRUCIAL?
England has a lot of promising strikers, but they probably wouldn’t be able to damage their rivals without Harry Kane. The leader of the Three Lions has for long been one of England’s greatest players, winning the Golden Boot at the 2018 World Cup after hitting the ball in the back of the net six times.
Kane. WC 2018 golden boot winner. ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/MONvZcHIRM
— The Spurs Web ⚪️ (@thespursweb) August 10, 2020
His career and performance have only progressed after 2018, especially when he plays in the Premier League for his club, Tottenham Hotspurs. Anticipate Kane to provide the Three Lions with far more than just goals, as he can also track back and defend for his team. He could also create room in behind for his teammates and the likes of Sterling and Grealish could take advantage of his positioning.
Kane is a dominant figure on the pitch and is the perfect leader for Gareth Southgate’s team. The Spurs center-forward tries to get his strikers together when attacking and even defends when his team needs him. One thing that’ll be important for the Three Lions going into the Euro 2020 is Kane and his leadership qualities. The way he sets the bar too high for himself and his teammates to help them improve and stay hungry.
WILL KANE WIN THE GOLDEN BOOT?
With Kane appearing to be at top of his game, Wayne Rooney’s ranking as England’s all-time highest goalscorer, with 53 goals, is a feat that Southgate’s leader believes he can achieve.
Southgate is well aware of Kane’s abilities, as he has managed to score 20 of England’s last 30 goals.
A very proud moment for me.👌🏆 #WorldCup #GoldenBoot pic.twitter.com/aFvaz1VI8C
— Harry Kane (@HKane) September 9, 2018
England is also the front-runner to score the most goals in the competition, with Kane set to repeat his heroics from the 2018 World Cup. He could replicate what Alan Shearer did for England in 1996. And Kane may end up winning the Golden Boot at the end of Euro 2020.
