- England honors summer's symbolic blame figure, Kane.
Harry Kane stole the limelight in his historic match, leaving football-loving England at his feet once more. More than just that, after bagging a pair of goals with his golden boots in a 2:0 victory against Finland in the Nations League at London's Wembley Stadium, the British media showed their admiration towards the Three Lions' captain.
"It was a splendid night for me," Kane commented on his 67th and 68th goals for England - in his 100th appearance. Then, he subtly took a jab at his critics. "When people toss doubt at you, it just fuels your determination to prove them wrong."
High commendations for the Bayern striker
It wasn't simply a defiant response from Kane, but a showcase of his scoring abilities. With two "standout goals among his finest for his nation," wrote tabloid "The Sun."
Kane netted in the 57th and 76th minute, first from approximately 15 meters on the right using a right-footed shot under the bar following a magnificent ball reception and a feint against an opponent. Then, from around 11 meters after a pass from the right, again using his right foot, this time striking just above the waist into the corner. "As usual, he makes it look effortless," remarked the Fox Sports reporter.
"It's his night," declared debutant Noni Madueke, who assisted Kane's second goal: "Working with Harry is a pleasure because when you offer him the ball inside the box, he rewards you with an assist."
"Two stunning finishes"
He couldn't have asked for a more perfect game, Kane explained after the final whistle, as he filmed a message for his fans on the Wembley Stadium pitch, still clutching the golden cap he received before the game. "What a night! I'm truly proud," said Kane. It was one of his proudest moments playing for the English national team.
"Harry Kane once again silences his doubters by knocking down Finland's resilient defense with two stunning finishes," headlined "Daily Mail." And "The Sun" couldn't resist a little wordplay: "After being made the scapegoat in Germany during the summer, he's the GOAT again." GOAT stands for Greatest of all Time, but it also means goat in German.
Kane, who struggled to shine in the lost Euro final in Berlin against Spain, also impressed his adversaries this time around. "The statistics, the performances, the actions, and the influence he has on his team make him an extraordinary player," said Finnish national goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky of German champions Bayer Leverkusen, adding: "It's wonderful to have a player like that in the Bundesliga."
Fans cheer for Kane
In the select group of 100ers, Kane now stands at tenth position. The record holder for appearances in the Three Lions' team is former legendary goalkeeper Peter Shilton with 125 appearances, a figure that seems achievable for Kane, as does the 100-goal milestone.
Kane has already surpassed Wayne Rooney (53) as the top goalscorer. "I never set boundaries on my achievements. I know I'll get chances if I'm part of this team. And if I get chances, I can score countless goals," Kane declared.
As he was substituted in the 79th minute, the fans in the stadium stood up. "It was a special night for him," explained interim coach Lee Carsley. "I wanted to give the fans the opportunity to express their gratitude."
Harry Kane's predecessor, Gareth Southgate, stepped down after the Euros - much to Kane's disappointment, as he and his teammates now find themselves in League B of the Nations League. However, Kane's performance was nothing short of exceptional.
"The Three Lions' captain, Harry Kane, continued to shine for the England's National team, scoring two goals in their 2:0 victory against Finland in the Nations League,". After his outstanding performance, Gareth Southgate's successor, the interim coach Lee Carsley, recognized Kane's importance by allowing the fans to celebrate his achievements during the match.
