Joe Cole has jokingly blamed Tottenham Hotspur for the lack of recognition Harry Kane received during his time at the club, after the England captain scored a crucial brace to keep the Three Lions' World Cup dream alive. Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, Cole suggested that Kane's move to Bayern Munich has finally earned him the respect he deserves.
Kane's Double Saves England Against DR Congo
Harry Kane, 32, scored two goals to rescue England from a shock defeat against DR Congo in the World Cup round of 16. The striker's brace took his tournament tally to five goals in four matches, just one behind Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe in the Golden Boot race. England had fallen behind early but rallied after a hydration break, with Kane's heroics securing a vital win.
Cole: 'I'm Blaming Tottenham'
When asked if the world is finally appreciating Kane's quality, Cole said: "Do you know what? That's the problem with us [England], it ain't till he's gone to Germany and smashed it. Germans have gone 'wow' that he's getting his flowers now because he's been, arguably... I'm blaming Tottenham. I blame 'em for most things, but we've not ever appreciated him until now and he's standing on the shoulders of everyone."
Kane spent 13 years at Tottenham, scoring 280 goals and providing 63 assists in 435 appearances, but left without winning a major trophy. He reached the 2019 Champions League final but fell short. Since joining Bayern Munich, he has won two Bundesliga titles and contributed 61 goals and seven assists in 51 appearances last season.
Kane Eyes Ballon d'Or and World Cup Record
Kane's performances have seen him tipped for the Ballon d'Or later this year. He is also on the verge of surpassing his best World Cup tally of six goals, set in 2018. However, Kane insists England's success depends on collective effort. After the win, he said: "It feels amazing to be honest. What a crazy game. First and foremost we were playing against a tough team, an organised team. We went behind but after the first hydration break we upped the level and looked good. Their keeper made some unbelievable saves. It was about keep pounding and our moment will come. We spoke about people having hero moments, whether it is me, a save from Pickford, a block from the defenders, whoever it is."
England Face Mexico in Quarter-Final
England now face Mexico in the quarter-finals at the Azteca Stadium, a venue known for its high altitude and passionate 87,000-strong crowd. Mexico have won all four matches without conceding a goal. Kane will need to maintain his form as England aim to reach the semi-finals.
