Kane and Lukaku set for classic shoot-out

TWO of English football’s hottest strikers could go head-to-head at Goodison Park today, when Romelu Lukaku and Harry Kane battle for vital league points.

But it could all have been so different if Tottenham had gone through with their bid to buy Lukaku from Chelsea.

It was summer 2014 and Chelsea were taking offers for Lukaku but it was Everton, having had the Belgian on loan for a season, who won the race and Kane felt the benefit.

The England international — expected to be passed fit to play today after a knock to his knee against Stoke — had made a few appearances under Tim Sherwood but it was Mauricio Pochettino who sparked his rise to stardom.

In his last 50 league games, Kane has scored 41 goals and Spurs defender Ben Davies said: ‘Harry is a massive player for us. His mindset is purely scoring goals. You have to be selfish about scoring goals to be a top striker. You must want to do that every time you are on the pitch.

‘Harry wants to play in every minute of every game to give himself the chance to score the goals.’

Kane and Lukaku, both 23, arrive at White Hart Lane locked together on 17 goals this season.

Lukaku’s quest to become more prolific actually began at his home in Belgium in the summer of 2015. He spent days working on his fitness and kicking a ball against the wall, trying to improve his touch and control. He returned to Everton in much better shape and has not looked back.

‘I’ve worked really hard,’ said Lukaku. ‘I’m grateful to everyone who helped me throughout this journey but I am not done yet.

‘There is still a lot to improve on. I’m relishing the challenge.’