Harry Kane is playing his best football on the world stage, but one ex-Chelsea star believes the world has not always respected him enough
Joe Cole has claimed Harry Kane is receiving greater recognition because he departed Tottenham Hotspur. Kane, 32, netted an impressive double to rescue England from World Cup embarrassment against DR Congo.
The Three Lions’ captain extended his tournament haul to five goals, sitting just one behind Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe. Kane’s scoring streak follows another remarkable season for Bayern Munich, where he registered 61 goals and seven assists across 51 matches.
The forward has subsequently been touted as a potential Ballon d’Or winner at the end of the year based on his displays. Cole, though speaking somewhat playfully, reckons Kane is receiving greater acclaim because he’s now representing Bayern Munich rather than Tottenham.
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Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, when questioned whether the world is finally recognising Kane’s calibre, Cole said: “Do you know what? That’s the problem with us [England], it ain’t till he’s gone to Germany and smashed it.
“Germans have gone ‘wow’ that he’s getting his flowers now because he’s been, arguably… I’m blaming Tottenham. I blame ’em for most things, but we’ve not ever appreciated him until now and he’s standing on the shoulders of everyone.”
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During his time at Tottenham, Kane amassed 280 goals and 63 assists in 435 outings for the north London outfit. While he did feature in the 2019 Champions League final, he departed Spurs without securing a major trophy.
Kane is poised to surpass his finest World Cup return, the six strikes he managed during the 2018 tournament. Nevertheless, the forward maintains England’s advancement will depend on everyone delivering crucial contributions, regardless of his own form.
Following the victory, Kane said: “It feels amazing to be honest. What a crazy game. First and foremost we were playing against a tough team, an organised team.
“We went behind but after the first hydration break we upped the level and looked good. Their keeper made some unbelievable saves.
“It was about keep pounding and our moment will come. We spoke about people having hero moments, whether it is me, a save from Pickford, a block from the defenders, whoever it is.”
Kane will need to carry that momentum into Monday, when the Three Lions enter the electrifying atmosphere of the literally breath-taking Azteca Stadium. They face a Mexico outfit who have triumphed in all four matches without shipping a goal, while also contending with the backing of 87,000 passionate home fans.
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