Harry Kane celebrates one of his two goals in his 100th international match.
Image: dpa
Harry Kane was presented with a gold cap before his anniversary match.
Image: dpa
Celebrating a 2-0 win in his 100th international match: Harry Kane.
Image: dpa
Harry Kane celebrates one of his two goals in his 100th international match.
Image: dpa
Harry Kane was presented with a gold cap before his anniversary match.
Image: dpa
Celebrating a 2-0 win in his 100th international match: Harry Kane.
Image: dpa
Everyone expected it - and Harry Kane delivered. The goalscorer scored twice in his 100th international match. The record goalscorer could soon also become England's record player.
11.09.2024, 07:09
11.09.2024, 07:11
dpa
His perfect anniversary game, including a brace in golden boots, has made Harry Kane want to score even more. "I try never to put limits on myself in terms of what I can achieve. I know that I'll get chances when I play in this team. And when I get chances, I can score a lot of goals," said England's star striker after his 100th international match, which he crowned - almost fittingly - with a brace.
In the 2-0 Nations League win over Finland, the professional from German record champions Bayern Munich scored both goals (57th, 76th) - and in eye-catching golden boots. When he was substituted in the 79th minute, the fans at Wembley Stadium gave him an ovation.
"It's such a special night for him. I wanted to give the fans a chance to show their appreciation," explained interim coach Lee Carsley, whose home debut was a success thanks in large part to Kane. The 31-year-old scored his international goals 67 and 68 against Finland and was praised in the highest terms by team-mates and opponents afterwards.
"It's his night"
"It was written in the stars," said goalkeeper Jordan Pickford with a smile in the Sky interview. It was "a privilege" for him to be on the pitch with Kane. "It's fitting that Harry scored both goals - it's his night," said debutant Noni Madueke, who set up Kane's second goal: "It's fun to work with Harry because when you give him the ball in the box, he gives you an assist."
Finland international goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky also went into raptures. "The statistics, the games, all the actions and the influence he has on his team make him a great player," said the professional from German champions Bayer Leverkusen: "It's nice to have a player like that in the Bundesliga."
Kane is the tenth England international to reach the 100 caps mark. The 31-year-old has a good chance of breaking former goalkeeper Peter Shilton's record of 125 appearances for the England national team.
For his anniversary game, England's record goalscorer was presented with a gold cap before kick-off by Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole, who also belong to England's club of 100. His two daughters were allowed onto the pitch in return, wearing England shirts with the number "100" and the name "Daddy".
Praise for the interim coach
The resignation of coach Gareth Southgate after the loss to Spain in the European Championship final, which Kane regretted, no longer seems to be a major problem for the attacker. He even attested that interim solution Carsley was doing a "great job" and that the players had "a lot of freedom" on the pitch.
After two games of the Nations League season, the European runners-up have six points in League B Group 2, just like Greece, who won 2-0 in Ireland. "I have no idea what England are doing in League B, to be honest," said Finland captain Hradecky.
