It was the evening of a golden Harry Kane. That is the conclusion of the English media the day after the match against Finland, in which the Bayern Munich striker celebrated his 100th international appearance with two goals (2-0).
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Everything about Kane was golden on Wednesday evening. From the moment he stepped onto the pitch, there was an aura of celebration and achievement surrounding him.
He wore golden shoes that glittered under the stadium lights, and before the match, he was presented with a special golden cap, commemorating his 100th appearance for the England national team. It was an evening destined to be remembered, not just for the milestone but for the performance that followed.
Former England defender Matt Upson, speaking on British radio, encapsulated the sentiment perfectly: "It's his night." Kane had already set the tone by his mere presence, and Upson added, "Those golden shoes suited him so well." It wasn’t just a metaphorical statement the whole match seemed to revolve around Kane’s brilliance. "Normally, this would be a game you'd quickly forget," Upson continued, referencing the relatively low-profile nature of the match against Finland, "but because of Kane, it will linger for a while."
Indeed, Kane had already stirred up intrigue earlier in the week by revealing his ambitious goal: he wanted to score 100 goals for England. While some in the media considered this target optimistic The Guardian even described it as "wishful thinking" the same outlet also acknowledged that Kane is not someone to doubt. His track record has made it clear: if Harry Kane sets his sights on something, there's a good chance he’ll achieve it. His relentless work ethic and determination have consistently silenced critics, proving over and over that he's a player who thrives on challenges.
Sports journalist Pete Smith of Sky Sports echoed these sentiments in his analysis. After witnessing Kane’s performance, he commented, "When you watch him play, I’m also convinced that he can keep going." Kane’s physical and mental sharpness showed no signs of decline, even as he hit his 100th cap. He was playing with the same hunger and precision that have defined his career. Unsurprisingly, Kane earned a stellar 9 rating from Sky Sports, the highest of any player on the field that night. The two goals he netted were quintessential Kane poised, clinical, and decisive. As Smith put it, "He celebrated this historic evening in the only way he knows: by scoring goals."
Despite the fanfare, Kane remained remarkably composed. "This was a perfect evening," he said in post-match interviews, his voice calm, as if he was reflecting on another routine day at the office. There was no boastfulness, only a quiet acknowledgment of his achievement. What struck most observers, however, was how he spoke about his journey rather than the destination. Kane recalled his early career, particularly his loan spells at Millwall, Norwich, and Leicester, where few would have predicted he’d one day be an England centurion. "I wasn’t thinking about 100 caps," he admitted. "There were always doubts." But as he’s done throughout his career, Kane used those doubts as fuel. "I’ve always said that those doubts should motivate you," he added.
Now, with 100 caps under his belt, Kane is setting his sights on the future, and he won’t have long to wait before he’s back in action. In October, England will compete again in the Nations League, and Kane is already gearing up for the next challenge. "In October, I’ll be ready again," he promised, showcasing the focus and drive that have propelled him to the top of his game.
The conversation is no longer just about Kane’s incredible milestone but also about what lies ahead. For Kane, the next target in his career is within reach: becoming England's most capped player of all time. Currently, he stands just nine players away from breaking the record set by Peter Shilton, who earned 125 caps for England. It’s a daunting target, but Kane has never been one to shy away from tough goals. Yet, as much as the number of appearances matters, there’s an even bigger challenge looming scoring 100 goals for his country.
To achieve that, Kane will need to score 32 more goals, bringing his total to 100. It’s an immense task, considering his current tally of 68 goals. But if there’s one player who thrives under pressure, it’s Harry Kane. He knows that hitting that target won’t come easily, but with the form he’s in and the backing of his teammates, it seems more of a question of when, rather than if, he will achieve it.
For now, though, Kane is savoring the moment. He’s reflecting on how far he’s come and staying grounded, even as he stands on the precipice of English football history. The golden shoes may have been a symbolic gesture, but they were also fitting the perfect representation of a player in the golden era of his career.
