‘Kane is incredible – his mental strength to score second penalty proves it’ | Football | Sport
Harry Kane can be crucial for England at the World Cup. (Image: Getty)
Alan Shearer has dismissed any concerns over England captain Harry Kane after his penalty miss vs Croatia. The 32-year-old fluffed his initial spot-kick during Wednesday’s 4-2 victory after Dominik Livakovic denied the Bayern Munich forward from 12 yards.
Referee Clement Turpin ordered a retake after the goalkeeper was adjudged to have stepped off his line. Kane converted second time around, sending Livakovic the wrong way with composure. The goal moved the Tottenham Hotspur icon on the verge of toppling the World Cup goalscoring record of former Three Lions skipper Gary Lineker. Shortly after, he equalled the record (10) with a powerful header. Shearer, 55, won 63 caps for England, netting 30 goals, and spoke candidly about the sheer mental fortitude required to wear the Three Lions shirt and shoulder such responsibility.
The Newcastle United icon and Betfair ambassador said: “It’s tough enough taking a penalty for England. I’ve been there and you know there’s millions and millions and millions of people watching you on TV. But the most important people are the 10 people behind you. Your teammates. That’s who you don’t want to let down.
“I thought once the keeper had saved the first one and the referee correctly awarded a re-take; you have to then be so mentally strong because it becomes mind games. The goalkeeper is wondering whether Harry will go the same way and you’re thinking about what the keeper is going to do.
“To stay focused, stay strong and then have the courage to put it exactly where he went the first time, I think Harry won that battle and those mind games. It takes great strength and it’s no surprise what happened because he’s full of that. He got his penalty, his other goal which was a brilliant header.”
Kane has netted 108 penalties throughout his career and arrived at this summer’s tournament on the back of yet another impressive season with Bayern. The 32-year-old now boasts two German league titles to his name, alongside a remarkable collection of golden boot and hat-trick accolades.
Alan Shearer has talked up Harry Kane after bouncing back from his penalty miss vs Croatia. (Image: Betfair)
His missed spot-kick was an uncommon blot on his record, yet it was his fourth such failure this season, having squandered three for the Bavarian club across the Bundesliga, Champions League and DFB Pokal competitions. Shearer, however, was full of admiration for the England captain and the pivotal role he plays in Thomas Tuchel’s side as they bid to end a 60-year wait for major silverware.
He added: “He’s just an outstanding individual, he really is. 61 goals he got for Bayern. I remember the days when 20 was acceptable. If you got that in the 80s and 90s, you’d had a great season.
“Harry is incredible. He looks full of belief and is really strong and fit. He would’ve looked at Haaland, Mbappe and Messi before the game on Wednesday, having to sit and wait a week to get going and he must have been itching to get out there and do his bit, which he has. He’s flying already.
“Although Harry got away with one with that penalty miss, it’ll give him great belief and great confidence. Even if he’d have missed the second one as well, I’d have had no problem with him stepping up later down the line because I do think he’s that focused and mentally strong.”
Alan Shearer was talking about Harry Kane after England’s opener. Everyone’s got an opinion, back yours at Betfair this World Cup.
He added: “He’s just an outstanding individual, he really is. 61 goals he got for Bayern. I remember the days when 20 was acceptable. If you got that in the 80s and 90s, you’d had a great season.
“Harry is incredible. He looks full of belief and is really strong and fit. He would’ve looked at Haaland, Mbappe and Messi before the game on Wednesday, having to sit and wait a week to get going and he must have been itching to get out there and do his bit, which he has. He’s flying already.
“Although Harry got away with one with that penalty miss, it’ll give him great belief and great confidence. Even if he’d have missed the second one as well, I’d have had no problem with him stepping up later down the line because I do think he’s that focused and mentally strong.”
Alan Shearer was talking about Harry Kane after England’s opener. Everyone’s got an opinion, back yours at Betfair this World Cup.
