Harry Kane's nightmare moment from England's World Cup quarter-final defeat continues to shadow the Three Lions captain, even in his new surroundings at Bayern Munich.
The prolific striker, who joined the German giants in a record-breaking transfer this summer, remains haunted by that fateful penalty against France in Qatar last December. With the score level at 1-1 and a semi-final place hanging in the balance, Kane blazed his spot-kick over the crossbar, consigning England to a heartbreaking exit.
The Ghost That Won't Leave
According to reports from the Bayern training ground, Kane's teammates have developed an unspoken understanding to avoid any mention of the miss. The England captain himself has been seen practising penalties with renewed intensity, as if exorcising demons from that devastating moment.
What makes the memory particularly painful is Kane's previous success against French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris earlier in the same match. The Tottenham legend had calmly converted his first penalty against his former club teammate, only to see his second attempt soar into the Qatari night sky.
A Leader's Burden
Despite the personal anguish, Kane has shown remarkable resilience in the aftermath. His performances for both club and country since that dark December evening have demonstrated the character that makes him one of football's most respected figures.
The 30-year-old has spoken openly about using the experience as motivation, telling reporters: "It's something you have to learn from and take forward in your career."
Looking to the Future
With Euro 2024 on the horizon, Kane's penalty practice at Bayern takes on added significance. England fans will be hoping their record goalscorer can put the ghosts of Qatar behind him when the next major tournament arrives.
For now, the image of that missed penalty remains etched in the memory of players and fans alike - a painful reminder of how fine margins separate glory from heartbreak in international football.
