Roy Keane says he had ‘no doubt’ in Harry Kane scoring for England during their 3-0 win over Senegal at the Qatar World Cup, but he did add that the Tottenham striker was ‘sluggish’ in the first half.
Whilst Gareth Southgate’s side breezed through the group stages, Kane, who is looking to become England’s all-time goalscorer in Qatar, didn’t get on the scoresheet.
But as soon as the knockout stages landed, the 29-year-old was on the scoresheet when Jude Bellingham’s driving run through midfield, found the on-rushing Phil Foden on the inside left channel and his first-time ball to Kane resulted in the Spurs man being one v one with Edouard Mendy and he didn’t hesitate in netting his first goal of the tournament.
That’s 52 goals for his country – one behind Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney – and if England go all the way at the World Cup, then there is no reason why he doesn’t just match it, but surpass it.
Nonetheless, this is what former Republic of Ireland international Roy Keane had to say about Kane from tonight’s game, as he told ITV Sport.
“Never in doubt (about Kane scoring),” said Keane. “With his quality, two bits of brilliance really from England. The second goal was fantastic.
“Foden lays it off with his left foot, a little bit of luck, a slight deflection and game over. Kane, the dream chance he wanted. He probably even looked sluggish in this half.
“But once he got that chance, he could never believe it. One v one with the goalkeeper and he was never in danger of missing this. Never.”
ENGLAND SET-UP FRANCE QUARTER-FINAL
Kylian Mbappe vs Harry Kane. Two outstanding goalscorers. Two very different players. But, most importantly, very dangerous and game-changing in that final third.
If England are to cook and beat the World Champions, then it’s all about how they deal with Mbappe, including how their own captain performs.
But either way, there is no reason why this England attack shouldn’t fancy themselves against France because they probably have the best depth in quality in the tournament.
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