Harry Kane has equalled his 2018 tally with six goals at the 2026 World Cup, cementing his status as England's greatest No 9. But his path to greatness was far from straightforward – he almost became a goalkeeper.
A Goalkeeper in the Making
On his first day at Ridgeway Rovers, coach Dave Bricknell asked if anyone wanted to go in goal. A six-year-old Kane raised his hand and impressed. 'I thought I'd found a goalkeeper,' Bricknell recalls. 'At that age, you don't get many kids that don't mind standing in front of a ball.' Parents quickly pointed out Kane's outfield potential, but he later trained with Arsenal's goalkeeper coach Alex Welsh alongside his outfield sessions.
Resilience Through Rejection
Kane was released by Arsenal and later by Tottenham Hotspur, but he returned to Ridgeway Rovers undeterred. He was scouted again by Spurs after scoring against them while on loan at Watford. Bricknell attributes Kane's resilience to his stable upbringing: 'Having two caring parents, guiding him the right way, he's had a stable relationship most of his life, that keeps you grounded.'
During his loan spells, many doubted whether he would break into Tottenham's first team. Peter Taylor, who coached Kane at the 2013 Under-20 World Cup, recalls: 'If you'd asked me if he was going to go back from that tournament and all of a sudden get into Spurs's first team and have the career he's had, I would've said: 'I hope he does, because you couldn't meet a nicer boy, but probably not.''
The Turning Point Under Pochettino
Kane's career exploded under Mauricio Pochettino, but initially they failed to click. Pochettino found a frustrated striker wary of another manager who might prioritise signings over academy prospects. Pochettino demanded more work rate and fitness. Kane responded by buying a second house near the training ground to be first in and last out. 'I believe Harry Kane is the best player in the world in terms of mental strength, willpower and endeavour,' Pochettino wrote in 2017.
Symbiosis with Southgate
Gareth Southgate built his England teams around Kane, introducing striker coach Allan Russell in 2017. Russell notes Kane's quiet, powerful aura that turned into unshakeable self-assurance. 'Harry is ruthless,' Russell says. 'Is he a nice guy? No. He's a good guy. Nice guys get taken advantage of, seem to be a little bit softer. He's mastered that fine line.'
World Cup Heroics
Kane's six goals at the 2026 World Cup equal his 2018 tally. He has overtaken Gary Lineker as England's top scorer at World Cups, surpassing Pelé in the process. Russell says Kane now manages his energy better: 'Now he is older and wiser. He manages his energy levels better in games. He manages triggers on when to press. He manages when he comes deep. You're probably seeing him at his prime.'
Asked if Kane could play at another World Cup, Russell says: 'I wouldn't put it past him.'
