Harry Kane avoids comparison with Haaland: "He's a machine, a beast"
Harry Kane avoided making comparisons with Erling Haaland, this Friday (10), on the eve of the clash between England and Norway in the quarter-finals of the World Cup. The duel could also be decisive in the dispute for the tournament's Golden Boot.
Kane has six goals and is one behind Haaland, who scored seven times. Both still chase the artillery leaders, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé, who scored eight times each in the competition.
When asked who would be the best center forward, the English captain preferred not to fuel the debate and highlighted that the two have very different characteristics on the field, despite playing in the same position.
"It's impossible for me to answer. First of all, I think we are completely different players. I know we are both center forwards, but we practically play in two different positions," Kane said at a press conference.
Kane praises Haaland before England x Norway
"I see myself as a different player, even though I score the same goals. I maybe like touching the ball more, but I can also act as a more fixed number 9," added the English striker.
Despite avoiding comparisons, Kane made a point of praising the performance of his Norwegian rival, who is enjoying another outstanding season and reaching the quarter-finals as one of the main candidates for the World Cup top scorer.
"Erling has been incredible. Physically, he is a machine, a beast. His finishing is at the highest level and, obviously, his goalscoring record speaks for itself", declared the England number 9.
"I have a lot of respect for him as a player and as a professional. Obviously I hope he has a quiet day tomorrow, but his performance over the last few years speaks for itself. He's a fantastic player", he added.
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Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, from England, celebrating the goals scored against Mexico, in the round of 16 stage of the World Cup - Reproduction/X/@England
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Harry Kane, from England, celebrating the goal scored against Mexico, in a duel in the round of 16 of the World Cup - Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images
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Jude Bellingham, from England, celebrating one of the goals scored against Mexico, in the round of 16 of the World Cup - Julian Finney - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
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Ball dispute in Mexico x England, in the round of 16 of the World Cup - Michael Steele/Getty Images
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Duel between Mexico and England, valid for the round of 16 phase of the World Cup - Rodrigo Oropeza / AFP via Getty Images
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Raúl Jiménez's header in Mexico x England, in the round of 16 of the World Cup - Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images
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General view of the screen inside the stadium displaying a message after the match was postponed - REUTERS/Paul Childs
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Azteca Stadium before the clash between Mexico and England, in the round of 16 of the World Cup - Disclosure/Fifa
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Azteca Stadium in electrical storm protocol before Mexico x England, for the World Cup - Reproduction/X/@miseleccionmx
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Gilberto Mora, Mexico midfielder, arriving for the game against England, in the World Cup - Reproduction/X/@miseleccionmx
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England pennant for the game against Mexico, in the round of 16 of the World Cup - Reproduction/X/@England
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England fans gathered before the match against Mexico, in the round of 16 of the World Cup - Disclosure/Fifa
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Golden Shoe takes a backseat
Even with the possibility of winning another Golden Shoe, Kane assured that the main objective remains to lead England to the world title.
"My main objective is to win the World Cup with England, not the Golden Boot", said the striker, winner of the top scorer award at the 2018 World Cup.
"But I also know that I'm the team's top scorer. I'm number 9. So, if I'm scoring goals, obviously that will help the team", he added.
This Saturday (11), at 6pm (Brasília time), against Norway, in Miami, Kane will equal Wayne Rooney as the outfield player with the most appearances for the English team, reaching 120 games with the country's shirt.
Tuchel praises the English captain's leadership
"Obviously, I'm very proud to reach the same number of games as 'Wazza' (Rooney's nickname), one of the greatest players in England's history," said Kane.
"I don't like to look too much into the future. I prefer to think about a month or six weeks at a time and set small goals throughout the season. She has been very good in that aspect, but there are still important games ahead. That's what keeps me motivated."
Coach Thomas Tuchel also praised the captain of the English team. "We talk about him at every game because he's the one who decides the games for us. He's our leader and he leads by example."
"He's in the best shape of his life and at the peak of his career. He has a collective mentality, he's always ready to take on responsibilities, set an example and help the team. It's a privilege to have him as captain and also be his coach", he concluded.
Henderson becomes the only Englishman to play in seven major tournaments
Source: CNN