Finishing school for Kane

from IAN MURTAGH ENGLAND’S bid for glory is being bolstered by a Scot, who describes himself as ‘the world’s No.1 striker coach’.

Allan Russell hardly had the playing career to back up such an extravagant claim with clubs on both sides of the border, from Hamilton to Forest Green, from Partick to Mansfield.

Only at Airdrie did he enjoy any significant success in front of goal.

So the England players greeted his arrival into Gareth Southgate’s coaching set-up in March with some scepticism.

But the 37-year-old footballing journeyman is now a key member of Southgate’s inner sanctum.

Edge

And Russell has quickly won the trust and respect of top scorer Harry Kane with his attention to detail and video analysis.

“He does finishing sessions with us, tells us about opposition defenders, goalkeepers and where we can exploit a weakness,” said five-goal World Cup hero Kane.

“It’s just little stuff to maybe give us an edge. He does our attacking set plays, which are going pretty well so far.

“Every bit helps – particularly the little details at this level in a World Cup.”

Russell has also impressed Jesse Lingard, who scored a screamer in the 6-1 win over Panama.

He said: “After training, he goes through different plays about finishing.

“It is great to have him as a coach. He has played an important role.”