Harry Kane will win his 100th England cap on Tuesday night — and the Three Lions skipper has now earmarked a century of goals as his next record to target.
The 31-year-old is poised to start the UEFA Nations League clash against Finland at Wembley and will become the 10th man in an exclusive club of England legends to win 100 caps.
But Kane, who is already England’s record goalscorer on 66 goals for the national team, does not see any reason why he cannot match his ton of caps with 100 goals.
‘It’s possible, it’s there,’ said the Bayern Munich striker. ‘What is it, 34 goals? These 100 caps have come round so quickly, especially the last few years playing three major tournaments in such a short space of time.
‘The goals were similar, I felt I was on 30 goals and then, bam… I went to 50 and 60. It is definitely there and definitely possible. I feel like I am in a good place and these are good targets to try to reach.
Harry Kane is on the prowl for 100 international goals – a feat only three players have achieved
The 31-year-old is backing himself despite criticism of his performances at Euro 2024
‘Some people may see them as unrealistic but I would rather go for something unrealistic and not quite make it rather than be comfortable just saying I will be happy with 70 or 80 goals.’
Kane was criticised as he failed to reach his top level during England’s European Championship campaign in the summer. Some also pointed out that the former Tottenham forward did not look fully fit.
But he believes he is at his peak again now and has cited 39-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored his 901st career goal at the weekend, and NFL star Tom Brady as motivations to keep playing into his late 30s or early 40s.
‘(Staying at the top level) is probably the hardest part. You see a lot of players who have a few good seasons but then drop off and I think the hardest thing to do is to maintain it and consistently play at the highest level.
‘That’s why I have so much respect for Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and these players. To be able to do it for 15 or 20 years is some mindset and some achievement.
‘For now, 100 caps tomorrow, that’s part of the reason I am really proud. At 31, I am in a good place both mentally and physically and some of the players ahead of me like Ronaldo have helped prove to me I can be at this level for a long time.’
Meanwhile, interim England boss Lee Carsley will pick the brains of his predecessor Gareth Southgate after tonight’s game at Wembley. The new boss, who won the Under 21 Euros last summer, says he does not see a problem with relying on Southgate for advice.
‘I heard from him before camp, and I’ll definitely speak to him after camp,’ said the former midfielder. ‘Gareth is really respectful of me having to pick the squad, same with (former assistant manager) Steve Holland as well.
Lee Carsley has opeend up on how being in the role is changing his personal life – and how his ‘very grounded’ personal life helps him
‘I’ll definitely catch up with both of them after camp to get their opinion. I would be interested to see what they thought. They’ve both got so much experience in football, but in international football. I’ve had one game. So if I can get something off them that is going to help the team and the players, then definitely.’
Carsley said that he ‘lives in the real world’ and understands the added scrutiny that comes with the top job after he was chastised by some for not singing the national anthem before England’s 2-0 win over Ireland on Saturday.
‘I think I definitely live in the real world,’ he said. ‘My house is very grounded. We have the same struggles and challenges that everyone does.
‘Living as well with a child with special needs, I am definitely well involved in the reality of fundraising and statements and education and making sure he’s getting equal opportunities and making sure that the group we are involved in can do as much as we can.
‘So, nothing’s changed. Maybe I will have to be a little bit more aware when I am out and about. It’s fair to say I have had a little bit more attention from random people who support teams and shouted, “Make sure you pick so-and-so!” when I get to Starbucks at a service station!
‘But (it has been) very respectful. It would be fair to say that anyone I have met has been quite excited by the temporary appointment, still keeping one eye on the 21s, they played the other night. Things are pretty normal still.’
Carsley is not expected to make wholesale changes for the clash against Finland – but will make several minor alterations to ‘freshen up the group’. Of the squad which travelled to Dublin, there are no new injury concerns.
