Harry Kane has equalled his 2018 World Cup tally with six goals at the 2026 tournament, cementing his status as England's greatest ever striker. Those who worked with him in his formative years recall a quiet but relentless self-belief, even when his talent was not immediately obvious.
From goalkeeper to goalscorer
On his first day at Ridgeway Rovers, coach Dave Bricknell asked if anyone wanted to go in goal. Six-year-old Kane volunteered and impressed. 'I thought I'd found a goalkeeper,' Bricknell says. 'At that age, you don't get many kids that don't mind standing in front of a ball.' Parents quickly pointed out that Kane was even better on the pitch. He scored more than 40 goals in his first season and was spotted by Arsenal scout Steve Leonard. Arsenal even trained him as a goalkeeper, with evening sessions under goalkeeper coach Alex Welsh.
Resilience through rejection
Arsenal released him, but Kane returned to Ridgeway Rovers undeterred. He was scouted by Tottenham Hotspur's Mark O'Toole, then released again. After scoring against Spurs during a loan spell at Watford, they brought him back. Bricknell credits Kane's parents: 'Having two caring parents, guiding him the right way, he's had a stable relationship most of his life, that keeps you grounded.'
Under-20 World Cup disappointment
During his loan years at Spurs, Kane was called up to England's under-20s by Peter Taylor for the 2013 World Cup in Turkey. Taylor noticed Kane's finishing technique and ability to score from few chances, but did not predict his trajectory. 'If you'd asked me if he was going to go back from that tournament and all of a sudden get into Spurs's first team and have the career he's had, I would've said: 'I hope he does, because you couldn't meet a nicer boy, but probably not.''
Pochettino's transformation
Under Mauricio Pochettino, Kane initially struggled to adapt. Pochettino wanted a modern forward who pressed and roamed, while Kane was more old-school. Pochettino insisted he work harder and improve his fitness. Kane bought a second home near the training ground to be first in and last out. 'I believe Harry Kane is the best player in the world in terms of mental strength, willpower and endeavour,' Pochettino wrote in 2017.
Symbiosis with Southgate
Gareth Southgate built England teams around Kane, reaching heights not seen for decades. Allan Russell, appointed striker coach in 2017, says: 'Harry had a quiet, powerful, strong aura about him.' Russell notes that Kane is not a 'nice guy' but a 'good guy' – ruthless when needed. 'Is he a nice guy? No. He's a good guy. Nice guys get taken advantage of.'
Prime at 33
Kane turns 33 nine days after the 2026 final, but his six goals equal his 2018 tally. He has overtaken Gary Lineker as England's top World Cup scorer, surpassing Pelé along the way. Russell says: 'Now he is older and wiser. He manages his energy levels better in games. You're probably seeing him at his prime.' Asked if Kane could play another World Cup, Russell replied: 'I wouldn't put it past him.'
