Kane you believe it? Striker nets twice in 100th England game

Harry Kane admitted he is fueled by a burning desire to silence his critics after the England captain marked his 100th cap with a double in Tuesday's 2-0 win against Finland.

Kane produced two typically lethal finishes in the second half of the Nations League Group B2 tie at Wembley.

It was the perfect way for the Bayern Munich striker to celebrate becoming the 10th man to make 100 appearances for England.

The 31-year-old is England's all-time leading scorer with 68, and also set Tottenham's record goal tally before joining Bayern.

By becoming the 10th man to reach a century of England appearances, Kane joined the likes of David Beckham and Bobby Moore in the exclusive club.

Goalkeeper Peter Shilton holds England's caps record with 125 appearances, while Wayne Rooney is the country's most capped outfield player on 120, and it would be little surprise if Kane passes both of them.

He is only the third England player to score on their 100th appearance after Rooney did so against Slovenia in 2014, and Bobby Charlton netted against Northern Ireland in 1970.

Kane became England's record scorer in March 2023, and the Bayern Munich striker now has 68 goals for his country.

Inspired by the longevity of Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo, who recently scored his 901st career goal, and NFL legend Tom Brady, Kane shows no signs of easing up in his record-setting career.

But, despite all the plaudits thrown his way on the night he reached his England century, Kane still carries the hurt from a disappointing personal campaign at Euro 2024.

He scored three times in Germany, but rarely impressed as England labored through the tournament before losing to Spain in the final, leading to questions about whether he still deserved his place in the team.

Using that frustration as motivation, Kane was delighted to celebrate his 100th cap in style.

"It was a big night for me. I'm really proud. I want to score goals and help the team. Whenever you are doubted, it makes you more hungry to prove people wrong," he said.

"We spoke about being ruthless, but in these games you have to keep knocking on the door and you will get your reward.

"I always back myself to score goals and I'm excited for the future."

Golden cap

It was a perfect night for the former Tottenham star, who led England onto the pitch alongside his two children before kickoff, and was presented with a commemorative gold cap by fellow Three Lions centurions Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole.

"His finishing is very good, even in training. It's not a surprise when he scores goals, as his habits are so good," England interim boss Lee Carsley said.

"The way he trains and conducts himself, he is a great example for the rest of the players."

The striker's success is a tribute to his perseverance, dating back to the start of his career when Tottenham sent him on loan to Millwall, Leyton Orient, Norwich and Leicester amid doubts about his ability to make it at the highest level.

Kane eventually proved his worth, but even he conceded he would not have dared to dream about winning 100 caps at that time.

"I don't think I was even thinking of 100 caps when I was on loan at Millwall, Norwich and Leicester," he said.

"At that time, it was about getting back into the Spurs team. I have always had a good self belief.

"I would, for sure, have been proud if I knew I was going to get 100 caps."

Saluting the influence of Mauricio Pochettino, the manager who gave him his chance at Tottenham, Kane said: "I earned a lot over the years with Mauricio when he was at Spurs.

"The game is evolving a bit, and it is great for me to keep learning."

Interim boss Carsley has worked with Kane for little over a week, as he took charge of his first matches since taking over the reins from Gareth Southgate.

But the 50-year-old has already begun to understand the ferocious drive that makes Kane such a prolific goal scorer.

"Harry took his goals really well. It's a big occasion for him. His kids being here, it's an emotional night, but I'm really happy for Harry. He fully deserves all the plaudits," he said.

"What I have noticed this week is that he is highly motivated to play for England and score goals. To have a center forward like that, hopefully it continues."

Kane's golden evening had just one blemish, when his youngest son burst into tears just before the striker and his children were due to lead the team out. But, even that couldn't spoil one of the striker's most unforgettable days.

"My son was having a bit of a meltdown. It was past his bedtime, thankfully my wife was there to look after him," Kane said.

AFP