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Harry Kane says he never thought he would earn 100 England caps when he was on loan at Millwall, Norwich and Leicester.
The Tottenham and Three Lions all-time top goalscorer came from humble beginnings, initially starting out at Leyton Orient before heading out on loan a number of times from Spurs.
Fast forward 12 years and the 31-year-old has just become a centurion for his country.
In typical Kane fashion, he marked the occasion with two goals and had a smile across his face as he reflected on his golden cap, as well as goals 67 and 68 for England.
Speaking after the 2-0 win against Finland in the UEFA Nations League, he said: “I don’t think I was even thinking of 100 caps when I was on loan at Millwall, Norwich and Leicester.
“At that time it was about getting back into the Spurs team. I have always had a good self belief. I have learned a lot of over the years with Mauricio [Pochettino] when he was at Spurs.
“I always back myself to score goals”
Harry Kane reacts to his 100th England appearance and the start to life under Lee Carsley👏#ITVFootball | #ENGFIN | @GabrielClarke05 pic.twitter.com/hep4aa9vb7
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) September 10, 2024
“The game is evolving a bit and it is great for me to keep learning. I would for sure be proud If I knew I was going to get 100 caps.
“It was a big night for me, really proud. I want to score goals and help the team.
“Whenever you are doubted, it makes you more hungry to prove people wrong. I always back myself to score goals and I am excited for the future.
“Trent backed up with another great performance. We always looked like the team who would break the deadlock.
“We spoke about being ruthless but in these games you have to keep knocking on the door and you will get your reward.
“The manager has come in with a great energy, talks a lot of about freedom and attacking and hurting the teams.
“Of course there is a room for improvement, but a great start for him.”
“He’s silenced a lot of people”
Eberechi Eze reacts to Harry Kane’s performance in his 100th England appearance 💯#ITVFootball | @GabrielClarke05 pic.twitter.com/z8FaDyuIqM
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) September 10, 2024
Carsley on track
While most eyes were on Kane at Wembley, plenty of attention was left on Lee Carsley as he took charge of his second game as interim England boss.
It was another win and another clean sheet for the former Under-21s boss, meaning the Three Lions have scored four and conceded none.
Kane has played a huge part in maintaining the nation’s high standards under Carsley, and the head coach paid tribute to the elite striker.
On Kane, he said: “The way he trains and conducts himself. His finishing as you can imagine is very good, even in training. It is not a surprise when he scores goals in matches as his habits are so good.
“He is a great example for the rest of the players. He is first to every training, he leads by example.
“His game has already adaptable as he comes deep. When Harry is in the team it is important we have a lot of pace around him.”
“I definitely don’t feel comfortable, no”
Lee Carsley reacts to his first international break with England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿#ITVFootball | @GabrielClarke05 pic.twitter.com/w221IQV1lT
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) September 10, 2024
On his England tenure so far, Carsley added: “As you can imagine it is a test. Not only for myself, but for the rest of the staff.
“We have shown to ourselves that we can do it and we can implement what we are trying to do. We can put ideas in place and the players have responded really well to what we have asked.
“The performance was good and really exciting. We spoke about the spells that they might have with counter-attacks and making sure our shape is better on that transition.
“It has been a strong camp, it’s fair to say good work has been done beforehand and we have tried to build on that.
“I definitely don’t feel comfortable still, I have been out of my comfort zone. Enjoyable but we have to had make sure every single day we are producing high standards.
“Fortunate to get two good results and about building on that.”