Harry Kane refused to be drawn into comparisons with fellow striker Erling Haaland on Friday as the England captain prepares for a World Cup quarter-final showdown with Norway that could go some way to deciding who wins the tournament’s Golden Boot.
Kane is one goal behind the Norwegian striker in the race, while Haaland is on seven. Both are chasing leaders Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, who have scored eight goals each.
When asked who is the better striker, Kane – who won the World Cup Golden Boot in 2018 – sidestepped the question diplomatically.
«Impossible for me to answer. First of all, I think we are almost completely different players. I know we are both senior strikers, but we play in almost two different positions,» Kane told reporters on Friday.
«I see myself as a different player, even though I score the same goals. I like to maybe touch the ball a little more, but I can also play as perhaps the absolute nine.»
‘He’s an animal’
However, the 32-year-old was full of praise for his rival.
«Erling was incredible. Physically he’s a machine, he’s a beast. His finishing is at the highest level, and obviously his goalscoring record speaks for itself,» Kane added.
«I respect him enormously as a player and as a fellow professional. Obviously I hope he has a quiet day tomorrow, but I think his overall performances over the last few years speak for themselves. He is a fantastic player.»
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Despite the individual accolades within reach, Kane insists team success remains his priority.
“My main goal is to win the World Cup with England, not the Golden Boot,” he said.
«But I also know that I am the scorer. I am the number nine. So if I score goals, it will obviously help the team.»
Kane equals Rooney record
Kane will equal Wayne Rooney’s record as England’s most capped outfield player (120 appearances) when he faces Norway at the Miami Stadium on Saturday.
“Obviously I am extremely proud to reach the same caps as ‘Wazza’, one of England’s greatest ever players,” said Kane.
England’s Wayne Rooney (right) and Harry Kane pictured during a friendly against Italy in 2015. | Photo credit: REUTERS
England’s Wayne Rooney (right) and Harry Kane pictured during a friendly against Italy in 2015. | Photo credit: REUTERS
“I don’t like to look too far into the future. I like to take maybe a month or six weeks at a time and set myself little goals throughout the season.
«Obviously this season has gone very well in that respect, but there are still important games to play. So I think that’s what keeps me a bit hungry.»
England coach Thomas Tuchel was effusive in his praise for his captain.
“We talk about him every game because he decides all the games for us,” Tuchel said.
«He is our leader; he leads by example. He is in the form of his life and at the highest peak of his career. He has the mentality of a team player. He is willing to lead by example and encourage everyone, always willing to take responsibility, always ready to perform and help us. It is a privilege to have him as captain, a privilege to be his coach.»
Published on July 11, 2026
