Kane on the cusp of joining England World Cup greats
Striker shows ability in big tournament
Volgograd – Harry Kane rose emphatically to the World Cup challenge in England’s opening match against Tunisia, scoring a last-gasp winner to give Gareth Southgate’s side lift-off in Russia.
It was a remarkable World Cup debut for Kane, who bore the added pressure of the captain’s armband and the weight of a nation on his 24 years old shoulders.
Kane, scorer of a remarkable 59 Premier League goals in the past two seasons, was even goaded by a Russian reporter in the pre-match press conference about his lack of silverware.
“Maybe I’ll be sitting here in four weeks with the big gold one,” he quipped back.
He had a score to settle and all he needed was two opportunities on Monday at the Volgograd Arena, just two strikes on target.
He scored both, the second in breathless fashion with a clever, composed, far-post header as the clock ticked past 90 minutes to give England a precious 2-1 win.
“He was always there at the right time, he is the optimal striker,” admitted Tunisia coach Nabil Maaloul.
Tunisia lost track of Kane only twice from set-pieces in 91 minutes. It cost them two goals, and the match.
Kane was less enthused about his treatment, but knows he is a marked man and can expect more of the same as the tournament progresses.
“I was a bit disappointed by the referee not saying anything on corners, I couldn’t get them off me,” Kane said.
He is now on the path to joining the company of England World Cup legends.
The last man to score twice for England in a World Cup match was 1986 Golden Boot winner Gary Lineker, against Cameroon in Italia ’90.
“If he hadn’t scored, I’d be answering questions about his ability to score in tournaments,” said Southgate.
There will be harder battles ahead, Belgium lie in wait after Panama on Sunday. –