Football
PA Sport 9y

Harry Kane confident scoring for Spurs, England will continue to come

Harry Kane has dismissed the idea that he is a one-season wonder and has backed himself to score prolifically for club and country this term.

Kane has experienced a quicker rise than any of his peers in the English game over the last 12 months.

The 22-year-old started last season as Tottenham's third-choice striker, but ended the campaign as the nation's new hero after scoring 32 goals, one of which came 79 seconds into his England debut against Lithuania in March.

Spurs have made him their go-to man up front this season and so far he has not delivered. Kane is yet to score in four matches. To call it a drought would be ridiculous, but the dry patch has certainly not gone unnoticed.

Doubters may be writing Kane off, but he has not lost faith in his own ability.

"I know I am more than that (a one-season player),'' Kane said. "I don't think last year was lucky. I worked very hard to get where I was and I know I have got to keep working hard to progress but I am very self-confident.

"My start to the season has been okay. It could have been better. I would like to have scored by now, but football doesn't always work like that.''

This time last year Kane was preparing for an England under-21 game in Moldova having just bagged the fifth goal of his Spurs career against AEL Limassol, who came eighth in the Cypriot league last year. In the first half he missed a penalty.

Now he gets noticed whenever he walks down the streets and is entertaining guests like Alan Shearer. The Premier League record scorer recently interviewed Kane as part of a feature for Football Focus.

When the cameras were turned off, the former Newcastle striker gave some advice to England's greatest hope.

"He's a top man,'' Kane said. "It was good to talk to him. He's been in the same sort of situation as I am now and he gave me some good tips.

"He said the best strikers in the world just put it to the back of their mind and focus on the next chance or goal, and that's what I try to do.

"It was great to hear that's what he went through sometimes and what he did about it.''

It is not just Kane's ability on the pitch, but his demeanour off it that has won him so many admirers. He is known in football circles as a real team player who is also a well-rounded and kind individual.

Unlike many of his contemporaries, when speculation emerged linking him with a move to Manchester United, he did not kick up a fuss. He is fiercely loyal to the north London club that has moulded him into a star.

"I am a Tottenham boy. I have grown up with the club,'' said Kane. "I know the club and I love the club. I am happy. We have a great manager and staff at Spurs and I can see us pushing on. I am excited for the future.

"Everything just seems to be going in the right direction.''

Kane will have a perfect opportunity to break his duck for the season on Saturday when England face San Marino in their Euro 2016 qualifier.

Wayne Rooney is also looking to add one more goal to his tally to equal Sir Bobby Charlton's all-time scoring record. Like Kane, Rooney has had his critics recently, but the Spurs forward regards the England skipper as a true great.

"Wayne is an incredible player and I hope it works out for him to break the record on this trip,'' Kane said. "He's been a great servant to the country and I still think he's got many more years to give.''

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