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» Harry’s plea after sensational hat-trick » England make history with record 6-1 triumph
GARETH SOUTHGATE saluted skipper Harry Kane after England’s hat-trick hero rewrote the World Cup record books.
Kane made it five goals in two games as the Three Lions battered Panama 6-1 to clinch a last-16 place with their biggest-ever victory at a major tournament. Southgate said: “We wouldn’t swap Harry for anyone in terms
of No.9s. You know that when he gets opportunities he’ll bury them. He’s up there, right at the very top.
“He’s very confident in his ability to convert chances. Just as important is how he presses, holds the ball up, contributes to the overall game, and sacrifices himself for the team.”
Kane is now the leading scorer in this World Cup and boss Southgate (right) said: “It was lovely to give the people e watching at home on a warm afternoon some goals to celebrate. I think they can see the way we’re trying to play.
“And the players will have gained confidence from not only y their own performances, but watching the other games. We talked about taking lessons from the other matches, managing the scorelines and making good decisions. They can see they’re doing a lot of things right.”
England are deadlocked at the top of Group G with Belgium, who are also through. But Kane does not want to be rested for the final group match as he chases the Golden Boot.
Kane said: “I want to play. I want to continue the form I’m in, but whatever decision the gaffer makes we’ll get behind. It’s important that we finish top of the group and take the momentum into the knockout stages.”