Alan Shearer has backed England star Harry Kane after his penalty miss during the team's 4-2 win over Croatia, insisting the miss will not affect the striker's confidence. Kane missed his initial spot-kick when Dominik Livakovic saved his effort from 12 yards, but referee Clement Turpin ordered a retake due to the goalkeeper encroaching off his line. Kane stepped up again and scored, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.
Shearer Praises Kane's Mental Fortitude
Shearer, who scored 30 goals in 63 appearances for England, emphasized the mental toughness required to take penalties for the national team. "It's tough enough taking a penalty for England. I've been there and you know there's millions of people watching you on TV. But the most important people are the 10 people behind you. Your teammates. That's who you don't want to let down," Shearer said.
He added: "I thought once the keeper had saved the first one and the referee correctly awarded a re-take; you have to then be so mentally strong because it becomes mind games. The goalkeeper is wondering whether Harry will go the same way and you're thinking about what the keeper is going to do. To stay focused, stay strong and then have the courage to put it exactly where he went the first time, I think Harry won that battle and those mind games."
Kane's Record and Importance to England
Kane's penalty moved him closer to Gary Lineker's record for most goals in World Cup competitions, and he later equaled that record with a powerful header. The 32-year-old has now scored 108 penalties in his career and had another fine season with Bayern Munich, scoring 61 goals. Shearer praised Kane's influence on the team: "He's just an outstanding individual, he really is. 61 goals he got for Bayern. I remember the days when 20 was acceptable. If you got that in the 80s and 90s, you'd had a great season."
Despite the miss being his fourth of the season, Shearer is confident Kane will remain a key player for England: "Although Harry got away with one with that penalty miss, it'll give him great belief and great confidence. Even if he'd have missed the second one as well, I'd have had no problem with him stepping up later down the line because I do think he's that focused and mentally strong."
