HARRY KANE IS convinced that surpassing Wayne Rooney’s record haul of 53 England goals is “definitely possible” for him, though he admits it is a long way away.
Rooney’s international career came to a close on Thursday in a friendly against the United States, with the former Manchester United striker honoured.
He was unable to add to his tally in the 3-0 win at Wembley, however, and tipped Kane to one day go past him.
Tottenham star Kane has netted 19 times in 34 outings for his country, and having been named captain, he looks set to have the central striker’s position nailed down for the foreseeable future.
Kane insists he is not looking too far into the future, though he is confident he can topple Rooney’s record.
“It’s definitely possible, but it’s a fair bit away,” Kane told reporters at England’s pre-match news conference ahead of facing Croatia in the Nations League on Sunday.
“I don’t like to set targets that far ahead because a lot can happen, we’ll see over the next few years.
“Hopefully I’ll still be fit and healthy and still getting picked by the manager. It’s definitely achievable, but I’m not thinking too much about it.”
Sunday’s visit of Croatia is a crucial one for League A Group 4 in the Nations League, as both sides go into the game level on four points, two behind leaders Spain.
Whoever emerges victorious at Wembley will qualify for the Finals, while defeat for England would mean relegation to League B, as would a score draw.
With Ivan Rakitic out, Croatia will place even more responsibility on the shoulders of Luka Modric, and Kane – a former team-mate of the Real Madrid man – thinks he deserves all the plaudits that have come his way this year.
“I think he’s definitely up there, for sure,” Kane said when asked if Modric had been the best player in the world in 2018.
“I played a little bit with him when I was a younger kid at Spurs. Everyone knows now how good a player he is.”
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Great 2nd half performance. Fair play to Arnold after getting a bit of stick lately to score a cracker like that. Van Dijk was a rock and Robertson has to be the best left back in the league. Bring on PSG Wednesday night!
@Maureen: Happy with the three points but they were very tame for about 60 minutes or so. Last 30 very good. Despite the league position still haven’t been firing on all cylinders so thankfully the defence is solid. God I sound very moany for a 3 nil win. But they will need to be more for a win against psg I reckon.
@Seaniecp: It was never going to be easy with Watford taking a leaf out of Mourinhos book and parking the bus but the goal was coming and Arnold’s goal made sure of the 3 points.
PSG will be totally different with plenty of room in behind to run into, chances will be created, hopefully they will take a few of em and seal their place in the next round.
@Seaniecp: no coincidence that the goals came when Watford had to start playing football. They set out to defend and got punished for it at the end. Liverpool still nowhere near our best though, can’t help but think the constant formation changes has something to do with it. Will take that points tally any day though!
“the hosts could have taken all 3 points”.
That’s an unusual assessment of a 3-0 win!
They still haven’t got out of 1st gear and City are at full pelt, and we’re 2 point’s off. More than happy with that.
@Mike Lyn: I suppose the real question is will they hit the attacking levels of last year. I’m not so sure myself. Definitely a more pragmatic approach this year. Better to win by 1 than 4
@Mark Noonan: I believe if we come through December still in touch we have a real chance of winning it. The attack will click no doubt and a sound defence, ya never know. Going out of Champion’s League would hurt, but having the squad to concentrate on League alone wouldn’t be too bad. If we click at right time and have only League to think about i have no doubt we can best City. IMO.
Nice result, first half was a struggle but once the first goal went in there was no trouble from Watford! But how stupid was Henderson head was gone from previous tackle! Vvd for Captain
I think I’d prefer to win by 4 than 1, might be handy if it comes down to goal difference