In an alternate reality, Harry Kane could have been known as England’s premier goalkeeper instead of its leading scorer. On his debut day with Ridgeway Rovers, his first football club, coach Dave Bricknell asked if any of the children would like to try out in goal. Young Kane, at just six years old, eagerly volunteered and exhibited considerable skill.
Bricknell recalls, “I thought I had discovered a talented goalkeeper. At that age, it is rare to find kids willing to stand in front of a ball.” However, other parents quickly pointed out that Kane shined even brighter as an outfield player. This was not the only instance where Kane nearly pursued a career in goalkeeping.
Demonstrating an innate ability to score, Kane netted over 40 goals in his inaugural season, catching the eye of Arsenal scout Steve Leonard. While they recognized his potential as a goalkeeper, he also received training from goalkeeper coach Alex Welsh, balancing outfield sessions with goalkeeping practice.
How did this aspiring goalkeeper become a contender for the title of England’s greatest No. 9? Coaches and mentors who worked with Kane during his early years remember his unwavering determination and confidence, even when others were skeptical about his chances. Some speculate that his early experiences in goal may have enhanced his understanding of the game and improved his forward play.
Bricknell attributes part of Kane’s steadiness to his supportive upbringing. “Having two caring parents who guided him throughout his life has kept him grounded,” he notes. This stability proved crucial during Kane’s numerous loan spells at Spurs, when doubts arose about his prospects for a first-team position. During this time, he was called up to represent England’s under-20 team by Peter Taylor for the World Cup in Turkey, where he faced further disappointment.
Taylor recognized Kane’s remarkable finishing abilities, noting how efficiently he could score with limited opportunities. However, like many others, he could not have anticipated Kane’s subsequent rise. “If you had asked me if he would return from that tournament and break into the Spurs first team, I would have hoped for it, but probably wouldn’t have believed it would happen,” Taylor reflects. “He has truly invested himself in his career.”
At 19, Kane showcased a sense of humor, too. Taylor, who had a temporary contract, arranged a golf putting contest to help the team bond. While most players donned standard training attire, Kane arrived fully dressed for golf, complete with hat and gloves, amusing Taylor who remarked, “He looked like he was ready to compete in the Open.”
Despite having a talented squad that included players like John Stones and Ross Barkley, England struggled in the tournament, with Kane scoring once but the team finishing last in their group alongside Iraq, Chile, and Egypt.
While returning from Turkey on a ferry, Taylor spent time with Kane. “Harry was fantastic company. He exuded quiet confidence about his future in football,” Taylor recalls. “He didn’t feel entitled; rather, he was determined to work hard for his success.”
The following 2013-14 season saw Kane given a chance in the Spurs first team by Tim Sherwood, where he ended the season with four goals. Under Mauricio Pochettino in the next season, he truly exploded onto the scene, scoring 31 goals in 51 appearances, including 21 in the league, and earning his first of three Premier League Golden Boots.
Initially, Kane and Pochettino did not see eye to eye. The manager encountered a frustrated striker wary of another coach who might prioritize new signings over homegrown talent. Pochettino was initially skeptical of Kane’s playing style, which was more traditional—holding up the ball and waiting for chances—while he preferred a more dynamic, pressing approach.
Pochettino pushed Kane to enhance his physical fitness and work ethic. Kane responded positively, even purchasing a second home near the training facility so he could dedicate more time to his development. “I consider Harry Kane to be the best player in the world in terms of mental fortitude, determination, and effort,” Pochettino noted in his 2017 book, “Brave New World.” “His focus on football is unwavering.”
Fast forward five years from that Under-20 World Cup, and Kane found himself competing in a World Cup semi-final.
Another key figure in Kane’s career is Gareth Southgate, who crafted teams around him that achieved unprecedented success for England. To support this, Southgate introduced Allan Russell, a striker coach with extensive experience in Scotland, in 2017.
Russell describes Kane as having a “quiet, commanding presence” that evolved into a steadfast self-assurance. “Over the years, he developed an unwavering mindset, regardless of external pressures,” Russell states.
In coaching Kane, Russell noted that some players respond better to challenges than to traditional coaching methods; Kane falls into the former category. Despite his amiable nature, Russell insists that Kane possesses a necessary ruthlessness, stating, “Is he a nice guy? No. He’s a good person. But nice guys can sometimes be taken advantage of, while Kane has that edge.”
