England captain Harry Kane has sent a warning note to Senegal ahead of their last 16 clash today at the Al Bayt Stadium, with the quarterfinals at stake....CONTINUE READING
Speaking ahead of the clash, the Tottenham star, who was the top scorer at the 2018 tournament in Russia, revealed he is raring to go for his first goals against the Lions of Teranga
“I would love to be sitting here with two or three goals, for sure, but the group games have gone well,” the England hitman said via The Sun.
“The games have not been too physical and going into the knock-out stages I feel really good — fit and sharp and as match-fit, as I will ever feel,” he added.
After Gareth Southgate’s side topped Group B by beating Wales, a first-ever meeting between the nations sees the Three Lions tackle the Lions of Teranga, who made it through to the knockout rounds thanks to a crucial intervention from their captain.
Kane has been battling fitness issues during the ongoing tournament after he injured his foot during the second half of England’s Group B opener against Iran.
While the Tottenham Hotspur talisman has gone on to feature in all of England’s group fixtures, he is yet to find the back of the net in Qatar.
Kalidou Koulibaly vs Harry Kane
A battle between the captains, Koulibaly will have to stand tall again as he did against Ecuador to shrug off the challenge of the Tottenham Hotspur striker. Kane has not lit up the tournament goal-wise but he has already created three for his teammates which makes him dangerous for Senegal.
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Kane’s ability to play on the shoulders of the defenders while also dropping deep into space will make Koulibaly’s work more difficult given it can be a challenge tracking his runs.
The Chelsea defender will have to be careful not to be dragged into uncomfortable areas by Kane while his pace and tackling has to improve if he has to win his battles against the England captain.
Kane is also a good header of the ball and Koulibaly will have to check his movement, especially on set pieces which England are likely to get in plenty.
