Kane on Haaland: We Have Completely Different Styles, Almost Like Players in Different Positions
On the eve of the World Cup quarter-finals, England captain Harry Kane played down direct comparisons with Norwegian striker Erling Haaland in an interview, emphasizing that their roles on the pitch are almost in different categories. The Three Lions will face Norway for a semi-final spot on Saturday after topping Group L. The Golden Boot race is fierce: France's Kylian Mbappe and Argentina's Lionel Messi lead with 8 goals each, Haaland has 7, and Kane has 6.
When asked who is more outstanding between the two, Kane responded: "I can't answer that question. First of all, we are almost completely different types. The outside world is used to categorizing us as strikers, but in fact, it's almost like two different positions. Haaland's performances are amazing, and his goal-scoring record is the best proof. Physically, he is like a precision machine, a beast. His finishing is at the highest level, and the numbers speak for themselves." Kane has scored a combined 73 goals for Bayern Munich and England this season, while Haaland has netted 46 and won his fourth Premier League Golden Boot (third in three years) with Manchester City last season. Kane added: "Although I have a similar number of goals, I consider myself a different type of player. I perhaps prefer to have more touches, actively participate in build-up play, and of course I can also play the pure center-forward role. I don't think there's a comparison between us. I have great respect for him as a player and a professional. Obviously, I hope he has an off day tomorrow. His overall performances in recent years have been remarkable—he's a fantastic player."
England topped their group with unconvincing performances, then beat DR Congo in the round of 16 thanks to two crucial goals from Kane, before holding on for a 3-2 victory over Mexico at a stadium in Mexico City. Kane said: "Everyone wants to start a tournament perfectly, with an ideal situation—win every game, win comfortably, and play attractive football. But reality is not always like that. History shows that the eventual winners rarely have a smooth ride all the way. We are now in the crucial phase—the quarter-finals. We have to show our best, reach the highest team level we haven't yet achieved in this tournament. Now is the time to show it. We believe all the effort before has been for the team's peak at this moment. Quarter-finals, semi-finals, final—these matches come thick and fast within just one week, eight days. You need the depth of the entire squad more than ever, making sure everyone is ready to contribute."
On Friday, England trained at a club base in Miami, with the club's co-owner and former England captain David Beckham present to watch. He greeted the players and spent time with the squad before training. Kane also confirmed a piece of news revealed by the country's president earlier this week—that the president had played golf with the striker. "To be honest, I played okay. But that was 18 months ago, when I was in Palm Beach and he invited me to play," Kane said. "When the president invites you, it's a truly surreal experience—to meet him and play with him. Honestly, his golf is pretty good. I hope I can play as well as that when I'm his age, I'm sure of that. It was a unique experience, and I'm grateful for his invitation."