Football
ESPN staff 9y

Roy Hodgson: Harry Kane's England debut goal was 'a fairytale'

Roy Hodgson said Harry Kane's debut goal after just 78 seconds of his first England appearance was "a fairytale."

Tottenham Hotspur striker Kane came on for Wayne Rooney with England leading Lithuania 3-0 at Wembley, and almost immediately headed home a Raheem Sterling cross.

That rounded off a comfortable 4-0 triumph for England as they continued their perfect Euro 2016 qualifying record.

Hodgson told his postmatch news conference: "It was a very satisfying evening for us and fantastic for Harry -- we're delighted for him.

"It is a bit of a fairytale, but it's nice when fairytales come true and it's come true for Harry.

"He's crowned his England debut with a well-taken goal, so I'm delighted with tonight's performance and delighted for Harry. It couldn't be better, really.

"There's been a lot of pressure and hype around him and it's fantastic that, in the time he was on the field, he made a good run to the back post, Raheem Sterling produces a bit of magic and Harry scores a great goal.

"We hope that's the start of a great [England] career for him. I think Harry will put pressure on himself because he's a good professional, but I don't think he's a person who'll buckle under pressure."

He said Kane would have to accept that "the media spotlight, which has already been enormous, will only get bigger," but stressed that England would "make sure we don't build him up to knock him down, but build him up to be a big part of our future."

Kane, who has been in dazzling form for Tottenham this season, said: "I dreamed of this as a kid, and it's all a bit of a blur at the moment. It's the best moment of my career."

The striker, who could now start when England face Italy in a friendly on Tuesday, was praised by international teammate Phil Jones.

Sky Sports quoted Manchester United defender Jones as saying: "He is on fire, and we're delighted for him.

"He has been brilliant this season. He thoroughly deserved his call-up and the lads are delighted for him to score his first goal."

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