‘Mbappe, Haaland help me to push my levels’published at 10:30 BST
10:30 BST
England 4-2 Croatia
Image source, Getty Images
England captain Harry Kane says seeing Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland get their World Cup off to a strong start pushes him to go up another level in the bid to win the Golden Boot.
Kane is looking to become the first man in history to finish as top scorer twice after first accomplishing the feat in 2018.
“Obviously I saw the guys scoring their goals,” Kane said. “I don’t like to concentrate on other people, but it is natural as a sportsman and athlete to want to reach the highest level.
“Those guys started in a great way. As a striker myself, I just want to get on the scoresheet as quickly as possible. In the back of my mind that competition helps me to push my levels. That is what the World Cup is for, to push myself at the highest level, so it is nice to get a couple.”
Kane equaled Gary Lineker’s record of 10 World Cup goals for England with his second against Croatia.
“It’s a great milestone to reach, to get 10 goals at a World Cup,” Kane added. “Gary had some amazing tournaments and to be on that number now is really enjoyable.
“To reach double figures at this amazing tournament is very special. Physically, I am feeling food. The goals I have scored this year are the most I have ever had in my career, I feel I am at the peak of my powers at the right time.
“There is a long way to go, a lot of tough games ahead, but for me personally I enjoy being out there on the pitch when I am feeling in this form. Recover now and get ready for the next game.”