RODON READY TO KO KANE’S GOALS QUEST

JOE RODON knows he will have to be at his best tonight to shackle clubmate Harry Kane despite criticism of the striker’s form.

Kane has 13 goals for Tottenham this term but is yet to score in Qatar for England going into this evening’s crunch final Group B game with Wales.

The lack of goals has seen Kane’s performances scrutinised and the Three Lions skipper, who scored six times at Russia 2018 in the run to the semi-finals, now looks a long shot to retain the golden boot.

Wales centre-back Rodon (above, with Kane) joined Tottenham from Swansea in October 2020 for £11million and has been on loan at Rennes this season.

“I’ve trained and spent a couple of seasons with him and we all know how good he is,” said the Dragons defender. “I’m sure Harry will be ready to go as everyone will be. He is a top player, one of the best in the world, who has done it for many years.

“He’s scored many goals and is a world-class striker. He is a brilliant finisher, with both feet as well.”

Rodon, who has never marked Kane in a competitive game, added: “Training with these players for the last couple of seasons has improved me as a player a lot as well.

“But a competitive game is going to be another brilliant challenge and one I’m very excited about.”

Wales toiled in their first two games, drawing 1-1 with USA and losing 2-0 to Iran in a dismal display.

But Rodon, operating in the middle of a three-man defence, has been one of their few solid performers.

He reckons moving to Ligue 1, where Rennes are third, helped him sharpen up. He added: “The league is very competitive and it has put me in brilliant condition to be here with the national team.”