Nigel de Jong has compared Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane to Kevin de Bruyne after England’s stunning 6-2 win over Iran at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, as he told ITV Sport.
Yes, England hit six goals, yet their star striker, their captain, the only man capable of chasing the goal-crazy Erling Haaland for the Premier League’s Golden Boot this season didn’t get on the scoresheet.
But as Tottenham fans know too well, Kane doesn’t need to score to hit those top, top performances.
That was the case against Iran on Monday because he worked his magic with the ball, including supplying a wicked cross from the right channel that was poked home by Raheem Sterling at the first-time of asking.
It’s what Manchester City and Belgium superstar de Bruyne does on a weekly basis and former Dutch international de Jong was sure to use his name when praising Kane, as well as Sterling for his much-needed goal.
“It’s great for him (Sterling’s first World Cup goal),” said de Jong. “He’s having a tough time, especially with his transition from Manchester City to Chelsea. I am very pleased he’s on the scoresheet. He’s always going to be one of the first names on the team sheet.
“This pass from Kane, it’s a little bit Kevin de Bruyne-like, the way he put it and (then the finish isn’t easy) with the outside of his right foot (from Sterling).”
MIXED EMOTIONS FOR KANE
You’re not a striker and you’re not a striker at the calibre of Kane if you’re not, both annoyed and elated at that opening England win.
On one hand, he’s over the moon at his side’s dominant opening World Cup win, but on the other, strikers are selfish for a reason and he will be frustrated that he didn’t join the goalscoring party.
But it’s only a matter of time with Kane, and whilst the USA will provide a tougher test than Iran, he will more than back himself to get his engine going on Friday night.
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