Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane hopes to continue proving the doubters wrong after ending a barren run as England coasted past San Marino.
The 22-year-old has gone from third-choice striker at Spurs to one of the hottest properties in the country over the past year thanks to a remarkable scoring rate – he netted 31 goals in all competitions for his club last term.
Things have not been so easy this campaign, though, and Kane's inability to net in Tottenham's opening four Premier League matches have fuelled those predicting he could be a one-season wonder.
However, a seven-match dry patch for club and country was ended in style in Saturday’s 6-0 win in San Marino.
While the quality of opposition is hardly a yardstick by which to measure success, the skill and poise shown in beating the goalkeeper underlined Kane’s class.
“Obviously a lot has been said about me not scoring yet this season, but the confidence is still there,” he said. “I think you saw that in the finish.
“I am delighted to get on the scoresheet and hopefully I can get the ball rolling now and push on.
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“It was a little bit,” of a weight on his shoulders, he admitted. “Obviously every striker wants to be scoring, so when you’re not, when people are talking, you want to prove them wrong.
“When I came off the bench, I knew it was a good opportunity to get on the scoresheet.
“I am delighted with that, but the most important thing was that we won and now we are qualified.”
England became the first side to secure their place in next summer’s finals with Saturday’s victory, continuing their 100 per cent Group E record.
They will look to extend that further when Switzerland visit on Tuesday in a match which will no doubt be dominated by Wayne Rooney once again.
The 29-year-old wrote his name into the record books in San Marino, where wife Coleen and son Kai saw him draw level with Sir Bobby Charlton as England’s all-time top scorer.
Rooney was unable to usurp the Manchester United great after being replaced by Kane in the 58th minute, meaning the record-breaking 50th goal could instead arrive at Wembley this week.
“The manager made the call,” the Spurs frontman said.
“Obviously I was delighted for Wayne to equal the record and hopefully he can go out Tuesday night and beat it.
“We’re all rooting for him. I think the whole country is rooting for him to do it, so I am sure he will keep focused and try to do it on Tuesday night.”
The Switzerland match is England’s toughest remaining qualifier and, with progress assured, would seem a great time for manager Roy Hodgson to experiment.
A key question right now is whether Rooney and Kane can play in the same starting line-up – something the latter believes is possible.
“I’ve played in a two before,” Kane said. “Last season I played as a 10, Wayne has played as a 10 before.
“It can definitely be done, but obviously that’s the manager’s call and what he wants to do.
“Me and Wayne both just have to stay focused on our jobs and try to do the best for the team.”
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