Daily Express

A head start for Harry in Europe

- Chris Brereton

HARRY KANE was Tottenham’s hero yet again as he capped off an incredible season by fi ring them into the Europa League at Goodison Park.

The 21- year- old has been a revelation at White Hart Lane this term and scored his 31st goal of the campaign against woeful Everton to secure a fi fth- placed Premier League fi nish for Spurs.

Before kick- off, they had still not confi rmed their automatic entrance into the group stage of the competitio­n but the brilliance of Kane changed all that.

In a clash that never really sparked into life, the England striker made all the difference after 24 minutes when he dipped to reach Eric Dier’s cross and nodded past Tim Howard at the near post.

It was the kind of fi nish he has mastered this term and the perfect way for him to prepare for his role as England’s frontman at next month’s European Under- 21 Championsh­ip in the Czech Republic. Relieved Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino was thrilled to see his star man fi nish the season on a high.

He said: “It was an important goal and it has been an unbelievab­le season for Harry.

“He deserves a lot of praise and so do the other players. Finishing fi fth was very important because we go straight into the group.

“Next season we want to improve our squad and fi ght for a place in the top four.”

Everton, who ended up fi fth last season, have had a shocker this term with an 11th- place fi nish.

That has been a huge disappoint­ment for Roberto Martinez and their season ended in a whimper in front of their disgruntle­d fans.

Martinez said: “We were looking forward to fi nishing on a high but it wasn’t to be. It was really disappoint­ing that we didn’t perform.”

 ??  ?? WALCOTT: Hat- trick
WALCOTT: Hat- trick
 ??  ?? KANE: 31 goals for Spurs
KANE: 31 goals for Spurs

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