Harry Kane has revealed how Wayne Rooney went to extraordinary lengths to welcome him into the England squad when he first joined the national team in 2015.
The striker, speaking to France Football, recalled how Rooney personally took time to explain the significance of representing England and what wearing the Three Lions badge meant.
Kane was particularly touched by Rooney’s public prediction about his goalscoring potential for England.
“When Wayne Rooney received an award for the greatest number of goals scored for England, he said he expected me to be the next,” Kane said. “I found that incredibly kind of him.”
Harry Kane has revealed how Wayne Rooney went to extraordinary lengths to welcome him into the England squad when he first joined the national team in 2015PA
Kane surpassed Rooney’s England goalscoring record in March 2023 with his strike against Italy.
The Bayern Munich forward now boasts an impressive tally of 69 goals in 103 international appearances since making his debut eight years ago.
His first England goal came in memorable fashion, taking just 79 seconds and three touches to score after coming off the bench against Lithuania at Wembley.
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Harry Kane and Wayne Rooney were briefly team-mates for England
PA
Rooney, who was on the pitch that day, has since hailed Kane as ‘incredible’ and declared him the greatest player England has ever produced.
Kane has made clear his ambition to reach 100 international goals before retiring from the national team.
And the Bayern Munich striker also emphasised the significance of Rooney’s personal welcome when he joined the squad.
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“Wayne was the captain when I started in 2015, and he welcomed me personally, he explained a lot of things to me about what it meant to represent England, how it would change my life forever,” Kane revealed.
The striker was particularly moved by Rooney’s gesture, noting: “It’s Wayne Rooney, one of the greatest strikers in history, he didn’t have to have a word for me.”
Kane now follows Rooney’s example by helping new players settle into the national team.
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“I use it in turn today to integrate the new talents who arrive here,” he said.
Now England captain, Kane has outlined his leadership approach with the national team.
“When I have something to say to the guys, I say it without problem,” he explained. “They know it, I have never had a problem saying things clearly.
Harry Kane has scored 21 goals from as many matches for Bayern Munich this season
REUTERS
“I am more of a leader by example, by being efficient, by being in the collective effort permanently, by being hyper rigorous and focused.”
The striker has maintained his prolific form since moving to Germany, scoring 21 goals in 21 appearances for Bayern Munich this season.