England captain Harry Kane has confirmed that he played golf with United States President Donald Trump 18 months ago in Florida, describing the encounter as a "pretty surreal experience".
Trump revealed earlier in the week that the pair had played together, telling reporters: "I think Kane is a great player. I played golf with him and I like him a lot. He's a good golfer too. He's really great."
Kane Recalls Invitation from President
The 32-year-old striker, speaking ahead of England's World Cup quarter-final against Norway, said the invitation came when he was in Palm Beach. "So when the President invites you somewhere, it was a pretty surreal experience just to meet him and obviously play golf with him," Kane said.
Kane admitted he played "alright" but was impressed by Trump's golf game at the age of 80. "His golf is pretty good, to be honest with you. I hope I can play golf as good as him when I'm his age, that's for sure," he added. "A unique experience, but I was just grateful that he invited me to play."
World Cup Quarter-Final Against Norway
England face Norway on Saturday in Miami in the World Cup quarter-final. Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel said his team must "be brave" to keep Erling Haaland at bay and reach the semi-finals.
After a thrilling 3-2 victory against Mexico in the round of 16, following a scare against the Democratic Republic of Congo in the round of 32, Tuchel believes success amid adversity has prepared his side. "I think in general what it takes in the round of 32 and the round of 16, how we framed it with the team was it's just you find a way to win," Tuchel said ahead of the Hard Rock Stadium encounter.
"If you need a picture from the Premier League, it is January. It's Sunderland, FA Cup. It's away in Sunderland, it's away in Leeds. You go. It's adversity. It's not good weather. You don't like the decisions of the referee. Everything feels bad. They are on the front foot. You just need to get it done."
Tuchel Calls for Bravery
Tuchel urged his players to embrace the challenge of heat, humidity, and containing Haaland. "This is now for me the exciting part, but we need to let go, we need to now connect to our identity, connect to what makes us strong, be on the front foot and be brave. We need to be brave now. It's quarter-finals and the brave will have the luck on their side. And we cannot have any regrets when we play a quarter final. We have to go for it, this is the most important thing."
