PORTALBERITA.CO.ID - England captain Harry Kane is preparing to lead the Three Lions into their World Cup campaign against Croatia, drawing significant motivation from American sporting icons. This approach stems from a long-held admiration for the resilience embedded in the American athletic mindset, which Kane first embraced during tough early days at Tottenham Hotspur in 2011.
The striker’s admiration is heavily focused on NFL legend Tom Brady, whose journey from being the 199th draft pick to a multi-Super Bowl winner deeply resonated with Kane. As reported by The Guardian, Kane found parallels between Brady’s rise and his own early career struggles where he faced significant doubt.
The two elite athletes have since fostered a personal connection, cemented when Kane traveled to Atlanta in 2019 to witness Brady secure his sixth championship title. This relationship has continued with regular contact between the star footballer and the celebrated quarterback.
Kane has cultivated a strong affinity for the United States, often vacationing in Florida and New York to play golf and frequently appearing on major American television networks. He has even voiced a future ambition to try his hand as an NFL kicker post-retirement, viewing it as the ultimate athletic challenge.
Reflecting on Brady’s journey, Kane articulated his inspiration: "People didn’t expect much from Tom Brady," he stated.
He elaborated on the connection: "Seeing the way he went about his business, his journey from the start … to go on and be the greatest ever player in his sport is maybe reminiscent of me earlier in my career. In that people doubted me and I worked hard to turn that around," Kane said.
Kane also praised the candid nature of American sports culture: "In terms of the US, it’s how open it is from the athlete and media point of view. Everyone wears their heart on their sleeve and they are maybe more honest in how they talk in the media. I enjoy being here," Kane shared.
This tournament marks a pivotal moment for the 32-year-old, who enters the competition following a phenomenal season with Bayern Munich, netting 61 goals in 51 matches and capturing domestic silverware. Kane believes these recent triumphs have shifted the narrative surrounding him professionally.
"There’s a different feeling, for sure," Kane noted.
