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As England prepares for their UEFA Nations League clash against Ireland, Harry Kane is making headlines for his performance and determination to extend his career at the highest level.
With his 99th appearance for England coming up, Kane has shared two key messages: his ambition to emulate Cristiano Ronaldo and a warning to Jack Grealish and Declan Rice about the tough atmosphere they will face in Dublin.
Kane’s Ambition to Emulate Ronaldo
Harry Kane has set himself the goal of following in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo, who continues to thrive in his late thirties. After a challenging Euro 2024 campaign, where Kane struggled to find top form, the England captain is looking forward to the next stage of his career with renewed focus.
His target?
To maintain a high level of performance into his thirties, just like Ronaldo.
“Cristiano is the benchmark, not only being one of the best footballers ever but also the benchmark of how long you can play for at a higher level,” Kane said. Ronaldo, who recently scored his 900th career goal, remains an inspiration for Kane, who believes his best years are still ahead of him. Kane is already showing signs of hitting his stride after scoring in his opening Bundesliga match for Bayern Munich.
“I feel in a really good place, both physically and mentally,” Kane added. With role models like Ronaldo, Messi, Benzema, and Lewandowski, Kane aims to extend his career well into his thirties.
Kane’s Warning to Grealish and Rice
As England prepares to take on Ireland in Dublin, Kane has also warned teammates Jack Grealish and Declan Rice, both of whom represented Ireland earlier in their careers before switching allegiances to England.
Kane expects a hostile reception for the duo and is preparing them for the challenge.
“We know it will be a hostile atmosphere. Jack Grealish and Declan Rice might get some stick, but they decided what they thought would be best for their career,” Kane remarked.
As captain, Kane is focused on leading by example and helping his teammates navigate difficult environments, particularly in matches where the crowd may be against them.
The Upcoming Fixture
Kane’s immediate focus is on securing a positive result for England in Dublin and reaching the milestone of 100 caps for his country.
After these two Nations League fixtures, Kane will shift his attention back to Bayern Munich, where he is determined to help the team reclaim the Bundesliga title and continue his goal-scoring form.
With his sights set on both personal longevity and team success, Kane is ready to lead England through this pivotal period while continuing to build his legacy on and off the pitch.