Harry Kane Draws Inspiration from Messi and Haaland After England's World Cup Victory

In the wake of England's impressive 4-2 victory over Croatia in their World Cup opener, captain Harry Kane shared his admiration for football icons Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland. He emphasized the excitement and determination within the England squad, aiming for a memorable summer. Kane also celebrated reaching his 115th international cap, matching David Beckham's record, who congratulated him on this achievement. As England prepares for their next match against Boston, the team's focus remains on advancing in the tournament.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 19, 2026, 23:32 IST

Kane's Reflection on England's Opening Match

After leading his team to a 4-2 victory over Croatia in their FIFA World Cup opener, England's captain Harry Kane expressed admiration for the performances of Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland. Messi achieved his first World Cup hat-trick against Algeria, while Haaland made a remarkable debut by scoring twice. Kane himself netted two goals in the match held in Dallas on Thursday.

Kane's Thoughts on Competition and Team Spirit

In his post-match comments, Kane acknowledged the influence of other players, stating, "While I try not to focus too much on others, it's natural for athletes to aspire to reach the highest standards. Seeing those players start strong is motivating." He highlighted the 'hunger and excitement' within the England squad, emphasizing their collective desire to make this summer memorable. "There's a genuine competition for spots, but it's all positive energy focused on performing well when needed," he added.

Milestone for Kane: Matching Beckham's Record

During the match against Croatia, Kane earned his 115th international cap, equaling the record set by England legend David Beckham. He shared that Beckham reached out to congratulate him, saying, "David sent me a lovely voice note both before and after the game, acknowledging the effort it takes to achieve such consistency and reach this milestone."

Looking Ahead: England's Next Challenge

As England aims to advance towards the round of 32, they will face Boston in their next Group L match on Tuesday.