Harry Kane should take once-in-career opportunity after latest England milestone

gamehuzc June 18, 2023

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Harry Kane scored his 56th international goal when England defeated Malta on Friday, but it hasn’t prevented speculation about his club future, with Real Madrid reportedly keen.

There is no reason to doubt Harry Kane’s sincerity when he states that the team is more important than the individual.

There are none. But, unsurprisingly, he values individual accomplishments just as much as the next athlete.

And, as a thank you for their assistance, he distributed ‘broken’ gold records (as in music discs) to each of them ahead of Friday night’s game in Malta.

A ‘label’ in the center of the CDs read: HARRY KANE, RECORD BREAKER, ENGLAND’S ALL-TIME LEADING GOALSCORER, GREATEST HITS COLLECTION VOL. 1, 2015-2023

The ‘label’ then listed each of his record-breaking goals. Below the gold-colored and cracked (as in broken record) disc was a statement of thanks that said, “This gift is a sign of my appreciation for the part you have played in assisting me to become England’s all-time goalscorer.”

The England captain had put some significant care into a very kind gesture, the kind of thought that goes into the personalised boots he wears after smashing new goalscoring records.

The sort of thought that goes into putting one of his Golden Boots – rather than a fairy – on top of the family Christmas tree, as he did. And the sort of thought that goes into taking his Golden Boots on holiday and posting a photo of them sitting poolside, as he did.

And considering how he fought his way to the very top, why not trumpet your remarkable feats? Tottenham’s top scorer, England’s top scorer.

And any idea Kane will only be a footnote in footballing history if he never wins a trophy is utter nonsense. He will be remembered as a great, even if he stays at Spurs and wins nothing. And if he stays in the Premier League, the strong likelihood is that he will surpass Alan Shearer’s record of 260 goals.

(He will not surpass Jimmy Greaves’ 357 in the top flight but football was only invented in 1992, don’t forget.) Perhaps that would be a barrier if a move to Real Madrid became a firm offering.

It should not be. If Kane does not want to be separated from his family for long periods or does not want to uproot them, then a move to Spain is a no-goer. Fair enough. Family comes first.

But if Real come seriously knocking, it is a once-in-career opportunity. When Jude Bellingham signed last week, he became only the sixth English player to join Real Madrid.

Quite simply, it is the world’s most famous club, a truly iconic institution. Manchester United is of a similar ilk but reports now suggest they are unlikely to meet a valuation of £100million – that is if Daniel Levy would even countenance selling him to the Old Trafford club.

But Real Madrid has an even more mystical attraction than United. “I had goosebumps, my heart was close to stopping,” said Bellingham, referring to the moment his dad told him Real were interested.

And Bellingham is a great customer. Imagine England’s captain, the country’s leading scorer, tearing it up in the Bernabeu. Not only that, but he would be joining a team that is reinventing itself into one of Europe’s most exciting sides. Aside from the senior duo of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, the young midfield three of Aurelien Tchouameni, Fede Valverde, and Eduardo Camavinga completes the lineup.

Real, of course, has a future Ballon d’Or contender in Vinicius Junior. Make no mistake: Real will be desperate not only to reclaim first place in La Liga from Barcelona, but also to close the gap that was brutally clear in their Champions League semi-final defeat to Manchester City.

After spending well over €100 million on Bellingham, Real may be hesitant to invest the same amount on Kane. But if they do, what a brilliant move it would be. The most elegant of stages for the most elegant of players.