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Kane Challenges Tottenham To Bring Champions League Spirit Into Premier League

Tottenham Hotspur’s English striker Harry Kane controls the ball during the UEFA Champions League Group B football match against Red Star Belgrade at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in north London, on October 22, 2019. Ben STANSALL / AFP

Harry Kane says Tottenham’s 5-0 Champions League mauling of Red Star Belgrade will count for little unless they use it as a catalyst to turn around their miserable Premier League form.

Tuesday’s result at home against the Serbian champions revives Mauricio Pochettino’s sides hopes of European progress after a humiliating 7-2 defeat by Bayern Munich earlier this month.

Spurs, who reached last season’s Champions League final, are second in Group B with four points after three matches, behind leaders Bayern.

Kane, who scored twice against Red Star, said he hoped Tottenham would take the momentum from their win into their match against Premier League leaders Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

“At home we were expected to win this game so we can’t get too carried away with it,” he said. “We have to stay focused and take the positives and take them into the Premier League.

“It is exactly what we needed, a great performance, a lot of energy, plenty of goals, a clean sheet — a perfect night.

“But it doesn’t stop here, it was a game we were expected to win. We have got a very tough game on Sunday so I hope we can take momentum into that.”

Spurs have only won three of their nine Premier League games so far and are in seventh place after some patchy performances, five points off the top four.

– Tough game –

Kane admits his side are playing catch-up and knows it will not get any easier against Jurgen Klopp’s high-flying side.

“It is always better when you are coming off a win rather than a loss or a draw,” said the England captain. “But of course we know in the Premier League we are far behind and have a lot of catching up to do.

“Sunday will be a tough game. They have started the season very well so we have to make sure we put in a performance similar to Tuesday.”

Dele Alli, recalled to the starting line-up for the past couple of matches, said Tottenham’s players remain “1000 percent” behind Pochettino.

“When things are not going our way it is easy for people to try and get at the manager but we need to look at ourselves as players,” said the midfielder. “We are doing that and we are going to keep working hard.”

Despite Tottenham’s struggles, Alli, whose season has been blighted by injury and poor form, said the reaction from outside the club had been over the top.

“It is strange because since we have been together here we probably have not been through this situation,” he said.

“But I do not think it is that much of a big deal. We have just got to keep working hard and focus on ourselves, not listen to too much that is going on around the outside.”

AFP

Champions League: Kane, Son Double Up To Reawaken Tottenham’s Challenge

Tottenham Hotspur’s English striker Harry Kane (C) scores his team’s fifth goal during the UEFA Champions League Group B football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Red Star Belgrade at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in north London, on October 22, 2019. Ben STANSALL / AFP

Son Heung-min and Harry Kane combined to put Tottenham’s troubles at ease by both scoring twice in a 5-0 win over Red Star Belgrade to put their Champions League campaign back on track on Tuesday.

Last season’s finalists were thrashed 7-2 at home by Bayern Munich in their previous European outing and have won just two of their last eight games in the Premier League.

They moved back into pole position for a place in the last 16 by blowing away the Serbian champions.

Kane’s near post header opened the scoring before a Son double put the outcome beyond doubt before half-time.

Erik Lamela smashed home a fourth and Kane rounded off the scoring 18 minutes from time on a night when Tottenham clicked back into gear.

Son was restored to the starting line-up after being left on the bench for Spurs’ latest disappointing display a 1-1 home draw against bottom-of-the-table Watford.

The South Korean had been rested just days after returning from a tense World Cup qualifier in North Korea. He has been a shining light among a dramatic dip in form from many of his teammates this season and got his reward on a night Mauricio Pochettino will hope proves to be a turning point.

Kane has continued to score goals and is now up to 15 for club and country this season.

The England captain opened the floodgates when he met Lamela’s in-swinging corner on nine minutes.

Spurs also took an early lead against Bayern in a bright opening half hour before a second half collapse against the German giants.

But there was never any danger of a repeat against far more limited opponents, especially after Son deservedly doubled the hosts’ lead.

Lamela was again the creator with a teasing cross for Son to meet sweetly on the half-volley.

Pochettino admitted on the eve of the game that speculation over his future was normal, despite the success he has achieved in turning Tottenham from Europa League regulars to Champions League contenders over the past five years.

However, the Argentine was serenaded by a home support soothed by the sight of Spurs returning to form, for 90 minutes at least.

A much tougher task awaits on Sunday when Spurs travel to Liverpool in a repeat of last season’s Champions League final with revenge on their minds.

But another adventure into the knockout stages of the Champions League at least now looks probable for Pochettino’s men, as they moved a point ahead of Red Star into second place in Group B behind Bayern.

After a brief spell of resistence from the visitors, Son made sure the three points were safe before the break by finishing off a swift counter-attack from Tanguy Ndombele’s pass.

Spurs should have had far more than two more after the break. Lamela could have had a 15-minute hat-trick as he missed two glorious chances either side of a thumping left-foot finish from Serge Aurier’s pass.

Son was then withdrawn to keep him fresh for the trip to Anfield, but the chances continued to flow and Kane rounded off the scoring when his side-foot finish nestled in the far corner.

AFP

Euro 2020 Qualifier: Kane Hits Hat-Trick As England Thrash Bulgaria

England’s striker Harry Kane celebrates scoring his team’s second goal from the penalty spot during the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying first round Group A football match between England and Bulgaria at Wembley Stadium in London on September 7, 2019. Ben STANSALL / AFP

Harry Kane kept England on course to qualify for Euro 2020 as the skipper’s hat-trick inspired a 4-0 demolition of Bulgaria on Saturday.

Kane punished woeful Bulgaria defending to open the scoring in the first half at Wembley.

The Tottenham striker netted again with a penalty soon after the interval before Raheem Sterling struck to put England in complete control.

Kane claimed his second international hat-trick with another penalty, taking him to 25 goals in 40 England appearances.

Gareth Southgate’s side sit top of Group A with three successive victories and 14 goals to their credit.

Their next qualifier is against second placed Kosovo at Southampton on Tuesday.

Such is the weakness of England’s group that the 2018 World Cup semi-finalists already look odds-on to qualify for Euro 2020.

The only issue between now and the start of the tournament next June is how Southgate configures his squad to ensure they start as one of the main contenders for the trophy.

Southgate earned criticism on social media for not giving starts to in-form youngsters Jadon Sancho and Mason Mount against Bulgaria.

But, before kick-off, he defended his decision to stick with his established players, saying: “We have to win matches. It’s not a case of giving people caps. We’re trying to qualify for a European Championship.”

Kieran Trippier was a beneficiary of Southgate’s faith in his proven troops, the Atletico Madrid right-back earning a recall ahead of Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Trippier was caught out of position early on when Marcelinho got in behind him and picked out Wanderson for a shot that was too close to England keeper Jordan Pickford.

That was the low point of a subdued start from England, but Bulgaria, adopting a defensive 4-5-1 formation, were so cautious that they allowed Southgate’s men to gradually find their rhythm.

Kane had the ball in the net from Sterling’s cross in the 19th minute, but the captain’s close-range effort was correctly ruled out for offside.

Farcical defending

Kane didn’t have to wait long for his first goal as he capitalised on Bulgaria’s farcical defending in the 24th minute.

Recklessly trying to play inside their own penalty area, Bulgaria were caught out as Georgi Sarmov’s backpass to Plamen Iliev prompted the keeper to hurriedly poke towards Vasil Bozhikov.

Sterling sensed Bulgaria’s panic and nipped in to alertly steal possession before clipping his pass back towards Kane, who slotted into the empty net from close-range.

The inclusion of Everton’s Michael Keane alongside Harry Maguire at the heart of England’s defence underlined a lack of depth at that position.

Keane has suffered from injury and confidence issues since he left Burnley two years ago, while Maguire had to go off for a few minutes during the warm-up after accidently clashing heads with team-mate Declan Rice.

Neither looked sharp when Galin Ivanov found space between them to meet Strahil Popov’s cross, only for the winger to waste his golden opportunity to equalise by nodding a weak header straight at Pickford.

Bulgaria squandered another chance immediately after half-time when Wanderson was granted time and space for a shot that Pickford repelled at his near post.

England were roused by that escape and killed off the visitors in the 49th minute.

Marcus Rashford’s incisive raid carried him into the Bulgaria area, where he was tripped by Nikolay Bodurov, earning a penalty that Kane dispatched with ease.

With Bulgaria by now well out of their depth, England bagged a third goal in the 55th minute as Rashford fed Kane and his cross was bundled in by Sterling on the goal-line.

Sancho and Mount came on in the closing stages, but it was Kane who hogged the spotlight.

He completed his treble in the 73rd minute, drilling in his second penalty after winning the spot-kick himself with a rampaging run that was ended by a foul from Kristian Dimitrov.

AFP

Kane Rejects Diving Claims In Tottenham, Arsenal Clash

Tottenham Hotspur’s English striker Harry Kane falls in the area under pressure from Arsenal’s Greek defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos (top) but no penalty is awarded during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium in London on September 1, 2019. The game ended 2-2. Ben STANSALL / AFP

Harry Kane has slammed claims he dived in a failed bid to win a late penalty in Tottenham Hotspur’s thrilling 2-2 draw at Arsenal on Sunday.

With just seconds left in a dramatic north London derby, Spurs striker Kane hit the deck after a challenge from Arsenal defender Sokratis in the penalty area.

Kane was heavily criticised after replays appeared to show him throwing himself theatrically to the turf after minimal contact, but the England captain insisted Sokratis’ challenge could have been a foul if it had taken place elsewhere on the pitch.

“The defender made a tired tackle. On halfway I think I’d get that foul. Ref probably thinks I’m looking for it,” Kane said.

“It is 50-50, I could get it in some games. In the box you don’t always get them. He’s come through the back of me.”

Kane had already scored a first half penalty after Granit Xhaka’s foul on Son Heung-min, giving him 10 career goals in north London derbies.

That put Tottenham 2-0 up but Arsenal earned a share of the spoils thanks to goals from Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

“I feel like were coming off disappointed. We expect to see the game out,” Kane said.

“The goal hurt us with momentum just before the break. It was an end-to-end game, especially last 10-15 minutes.

“If a few final balls would have been better, we would have created more. It is a shame we couldn’t kill it off. But it is the Premier League and if you don’t kill teams off they come back at you.”

AFP

Kane’s Double Seal Aston Villa Win For Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur’s English striker Harry Kane (C) scores the team’s second goal during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on August 10, 2019. Daniel LEAL-OLIVAS / AFP.

Harry Kane scored his first goals at Tottenham’s new stadium as last season’s Champions League finalists came from behind to beat newly-promoted Aston Villa 3-1 on Saturday.

Spurs were on course for a Premier League opening day shock for 73 minutes as they trailed to John McGinn’s early opener.

However, club-record signing Tanguy Ndombele sparked the fightback by curling home from distance to level before Kane struck twice in the final four minutes.

Villa spent over £100 million ($120 million) on 12 new recruits over the summer to try and stabilise themselves as a Premier League force again after three seasons in the second tier.

And there were plenty of promising signs for Dean Smith’s men, particularly in the first 45 minutes, before they wilted under Spurs’ relentless second-half pressure.

Despite a host of new arrivals, it was one of Villa’s heroes in gaining promotion from the Championship last season who stunned Mauricio Pochettino’s men early on.

From a long ball forward, Wesley outmuscled Davinson Sanchez to allow McGinn to burst through and he kept a cool head to leave Danny Rose on the floor before firing into the bottom corner.

The visitors could even have been further ahead had one of their new recruits Trezeguet been more clinical at the end of a couple of promising counter-attacks.

Spurs soon had the visitors penned in, though, as Kane headed over then fired wide when one-on-one with Tom Heaton as half-time approached.

The pressure continued to build on the Villa goal after the break, but Spurs were often too wasteful to take advantage as Moussa Sissoko dragged horribly wide with just Heaton to beat.

Christian Eriksen had been left on the bench with doubts remaining over the Dane’s future with the transfer market across Europe still open until September 2.

Pochettino finally called for his ability to pick the lock of a packed defence 25 minutes from time.

Eriksen certainly did not appear lacking in commitment as he immediately offered the cutting edge Spurs had lacked.

Heaton made a stunning save as Sanchez turned Eriksen’s cross goalwards 17 minutes from time, but the rebound was worked back to Ndombele who curled home from the edge of the area.

Only another brilliant save from Heaton denied Eriksen scoring moments later with a thumping strike from a free-kick.

However, Heaton was helpless four minutes from time when the ball broke Kane’s way and the England captain hammered the ball home to break his duck at Tottenham’s new home.

And within four minutes he had a second with a trademark finish curled low beyond Heaton into the far corner.

See the English Premier League results on Saturday below:

Bournemouth 1 (Mepham 62) Sheffield United 1 (Sharp 88)

Burnley 3 (Barnes 63, 70, Gudmundsson 75) Southampton 0

Crystal Palace 0 Everton 0

Tottenham 3 (Ndombele 73, Kane 86, 90) Aston Villa 1 (McGinn 9)

Watford 0 Brighton 3 (Doucoure 28-og, Andone 65, Maupay 77)

West Ham 0 Manchester City 5 (Jesus 25, Sterling 51, 75, 90+1, Aguero 86-pen)

Playing Sunday

Leicester v Wolves, Newcastle v Arsenal (both 1300), Manchester United v Chelsea (1530)

Played Friday

Liverpool 4 (Hanley 7-og, Salah 19, Van Dijk 28, Origi 42) Norwich 1 (Pukki 64)

AFP

Kane In England Squad For Nations League Finals

Tottenham Hotspur’s English striker Harry Kane (L) and Tottenham Hotspur’s English midfielder Dele Alli (2nd R) take part in a team training session at Tottenham Hotspur’s Enfield Training Centre, north London, on May 27, 2019 ahead of their UEFA Champions League Final football match against Liverpool.
Daniel LEAL-OLIVAS / AFP

Harry Kane was included in England’s 23-man squad for next month’s Nations League finals on Monday but Tottenham Hotspur team-mates Harry Winks and Kieran Trippier were both left out.

Gareth Southgate, the England manager, has reduced his group from the list of 27 he named earlier this month, with Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse and Nathan Redmond also sidelined.

England captain Kane, who has not played since suffering ankle ligament damage in April, was retained by the Southgate on the day he insisted he was “ready” for Spurs’ clash with Liverpool in Saturday’s Champions League final.

Kane has not played since suffering the injury in the first leg of Tottenham’s quarter-final against Manchester City on April 9, which was also when Winks made his last appearance.

Spurs subsequently announced Winks had undergone groin surgery, although the midfielder said he hoped it was not the end of his season.

Trippier, a full-back, was a member of the England squad that made it to the semi-finals of last year’s World Cup and was an unused substitute in the Euro 2020 qualifiers against the Czech Republic and Montenegro in March.

Redmond was a surprise inclusion in Southgate’s 27-man squad, having been overlooked since winning his only England cap in March 2017, with Ward-Prowse making just his second appearance against Montenegro.

England face the Netherlands in their Nations League semi-final in Guimaraes, northern Portugal, a week on Thursday.

There are seven players in Southgate’s 23 who could potentially be involved in both the Champions League final in Madrid five days earlier and the Netherlands match.

England squad

Goalkeepers: Jack Butland (Stoke), Tom Heaton (Burnley), Jordan Pickford (Everton)

Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Ben Chilwell (Leicester City), Joe Gomez (Liverpool), Michael Keane (Everton), Harry Maguire (Leicester), Danny Rose (Tottenham), John Stones (Manchester City), Kyle Walker (Manchester City)

Midfielders: Dele Alli (Tottenham), Ross Barkley (Chelsea), Fabian Delph (Manchester City), Eric Dier (Tottenham), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Jesse Lingard (Manchester United), Declan Rice (West Ham).

Forwards: Harry Kane (Tottenham), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund/GER), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), Callum Wilson (Bournemouth)

AFP

Kane Aiming For Champions League Final Return, Says Pochettino

Tottenham striker Harry Kane hopes to recover from his ankle ligament injury in time to feature in the Champions League final if his side make it to the Madrid showpiece.

Kane is currently rehabilitating after suffering “significant” ankle ligament damage during Tottenham’s quarter-final first-leg win over Manchester City earlier his month.

The England captain is not expected to feature again in the Premier League this term, or in either leg of Tottenham’s semi-final against Ajax.

But if Mauricio Pochettino’s team can advance past Ajax, then Kane has not given up hope of being fit for the final at Atletico Madrid on June 1.

Kane also returned ahead of schedule from another ankle injury earlier this season.

And, asked whether he would be fit for the Champions League final should Tottenham make it, Pochettino replied: “I hope, yes. I think he’s doing well but you know, today, I cannot guess.

“He can be available before or after. That is going to depend on his rehab.

“Now he is in a very good period that is going forward quick but always the last moment is the most difficult situation – to take the decision to play or not.

“You cannot guess today. If you said to me today, my gut is maybe he can be available, because I know Harry Kane, the determination to work and to be focused and recover as soon as possible but I am not a doctor. This is only my gut.”

AFP

Harry Kane To Undergo Surgery After Ankle Injury – Surgeon

Tottenham Hotspur’s English striker Harry Kane (R) reacts after a tackle on Manchester City’s English midfielder Fabian Delph, but before leaving the pitch injured during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in north London, on April 9, 2019.
Adrian DENNIS / IKIMAGES / AFP

Tottenham forward Harry Kane may have to consider surgery on his injured ankle, a leading surgeon has said.

Kane suffered a “significant lateral ligament” injury to his left ankle during Spurs’ 1-0 Champions League win over Manchester City on Tuesday and is unlikely to play again this season.

The England captain is susceptible to ankle damage — this is his fifth such injury since 2016 and the second to his left joint this year.

Surgeon Mark Davies, a leading specialist at the London Foot and Ankle Centre, who has operated on Premier League footballers, said going under the knife could help restore the strength of Kane’s ligament to what it was before his first injury.

“At some point, I think they would think about doing something surgically to stabilise the ligament, which is quite feasible and should restore the problem happening in the long term,” Davies told Britain’s Press Association.

“He’s not that old, he could do with a stable ankle if he wants to carry on playing long term without it happening again,” he added. “It is a routine operation because the ligament needs to be tightened up and that is fairly easy.

“If he were to have surgery, the surgeon would almost certainly use an internal brace, which is a device which you put over the ligament repair and it is incredibly strong.

“It means you are not just relying on scar tissue regaining strength so it would improve his chances of coming back.”

The surgery would put Kane out of action for about three months, which may not be much longer than he could be expected to be out anyway.

The England striker has previously shown impressive powers of recovery and is targeting a return to fitness for a potential Champions League final and UEFA Nations League semi-final in June.

Davies, who has operated on Spurs, Arsenal and Chelsea players in the past, said Kane’s quick recovery rates have not made him more susceptible, neither has a full-on schedule which has barely seen him get any rest over the past few summers.

“There is no merit in him having an extended rest, they are not sending him back too early, it’s just that he has got an unstable ankle,” Davies added.

AFP

Kane Vows To Come Back ‘Stronger’ After Latest Ankle Injury

Tottenham Hotspur’s English striker Harry Kane (C) receives medical treatment before leaving the pitch injured during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in north London, on April 9, 2019. Ian KINGTON / IKIMAGES / AFP

Tottenham striker Harry Kane vowed Wednesday to come back “stronger than ever” after his latest ankle injury cast a cloud over his side’s Champions League victory against Manchester City.

Kane limped off the pitch after a challenge with England teammate Fabian Delph during Tuesday’s 1-0 quarter-final first-leg win at the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

It immediately looked serious as Kane was unable to put any weight on his left foot and was helped down the tunnel, later leaving the ground on crutches and with the joint in a brace.

The club’s medical staff will allow any swelling around the joint to subside before a scan to reveal how bad the injury is, expected to be on Thursday.

“Gutted to go off injured but every setback is a chance to come back stronger than ever,” Kane tweeted.

“Big finish from the boys to go on and win!”

Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino admitted the injury could end the England captain’s season, which would be a huge blow to the club’s hopes of Champions League progression and also qualification for next year, with Tottenham still locked in a top-four battle.

“It’s very, very sad. It’s going to be tough and we’re going to miss him — maybe for the rest of the season,” Tottenham’s Argentine coach told BT Sport.

England boss Gareth Southgate will also be concerned, with the Nations League Finals looming in June.

Kane, who injured ligaments in his left ankle during Tottenham’s Premier League defeat against Manchester United on January 13, only returned in late February, after missing seven matches.

The 25-year-old, the winner of the Golden Boot at last year’s World Cup, has suffered five ankle injuries in just two-and-a-half years.

Tottenham’s talisman appears susceptible to ligament damage whenever he rolls or impacts his ankle in a challenge.

He has an impressive recovery rate but Pochettino will have to prepare to be without his top-scorer for the remainder of the season.

Spurs will look to Son Heung-min to step into the spotlight as the South Korean promptly did against City, hitting the winner after Kane went off in the 1-0 victory.

Son took centre stage during Kane’s last absence, scoring four goals in four games, while Fernando Llorente is likely to get a run-out against already-relegated Huddersfield on Saturday.

AFP

Kane Vows To Come Back ‘Stronger’ After Latest Ankle Injury

Manchester City midfielder Fabian Delph (L) remonstrates with Tottenham Hotspur’s striker Harry Kane before Kane left the pitch injured during their UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg match, on April 9, 2019. Photo: Ian KINGTON / IKIMAGES / AFP