Harry Kane, the humble hero from a modest background, has arguably become England's greatest ever player. By scoring against Panama, the captain became the Three Lions' highest ever scorer in World Cup finals, surpassing Gary Lineker, Wayne Rooney, Bobby Charlton, and Jimmy Greaves.
From Ridgeway Rovers to Global Glory
Kane's journey from a north east London suburb to global glory is legendary. It started when he was seven, playing for his local club Ridgeway Rovers. There has never been a scandal involving Kane, who is a devoted family man. With the support of his parents and wife, he has focused entirely on his amazing career.
A Family Man
His wife Katie Goodland was his childhood sweetheart, and they took a joint decision to move to Germany when he joined Bayern Munich. The couple married in 2019 and have four children: daughters Ivy Jane, nine, and Vivienne Jane, eight, and sons Louis Harry, six, and Henry Edward, three.
His grandad, Eric Hogg, was a successful non-league player whom Kane credits with helping him achieve his football goals. Eric died more than 20 years ago, but his sister Bette Bovington told the Mirror in 2018: “He’s up there now doing cartwheels at what that boy’s doing. He would be so, so proud.”
Becoming England's Most Capped Players
Recently, Kane revealed that his hero David Beckham left him a voice note before and after the first World Cup group game in Dallas to congratulate him on matching his milestone of 115 caps. Kane is now the third most capped player behind Peter Shilton and Wayne Rooney.
Kane said: "I am extremely proud to be amongst those names. David Beckham was my idol growing up, my hero. He came from the same area as me in Chingford and we went to the same school. It is mind blowing to be honest and it will be later when I get the chance to look back and take it all in."
He added: "David sent me a voice note to congratulate me before and said he knew how hard it was to reach that level and he sent me a message wishing me all the best. To get that level is obviously really pleasing. Now I am feeling good and raring to go again."
Family Legacy
Eric Hogg reached semi-pro level in the 1960s, playing in midfield for Brentwood and Warley in Essex among other clubs. Family members see Eric in the way Harry moves. Bette said: “When Harry scores a goal he sometimes puts his hands up and looks to the sky – and I like to think that’s going to his grandad, my Eric.”
Eric was the youngest of eight siblings, including five football-obsessed brothers. The eldest brother set up a youth team in Islington, North London, during the Second World War – and his name was Harry. “We think that’s where the name came from,” said Bette. "Harry started them all off on the ball, they all played for Blundell Rovers. That’s where the journey began."
Bette said Eric, along with Harry's supportive parents Kim and Pat, played an important role in the development of the star striker.
