England raised their game once they got past DR Congo. Harry Kane had produced one of the finest goals of the World Cup in that match to take England to safety.
Mexico, the co-hosts, were next for the English. The Round of 16 clash was held at the Estadio Azteca, the Mexican fortress and also the ground where England had lost to Argentina in 1986 to the infamous ‘Hand of God’. I thought it was the cruncher, and if England went past Mexico, they had a great chance, and they did. The Mexicans were beaten 3-2, with Kane converting a crucial penalty.
The Quarter Final was not going to be easy either, with a rampant Norway coming after the Three Lions. But England yet again survived the Vikings and got past them with a terrific Bellingham double. I was now getting sure. It had to be England’s year, Harry Kane’s year.
The England Captain had led his team with great distinction. Had scored 7 goals already. He had played his part to perfection, and now they needed to knock over Argentina, who were battle weary. This was England’s best chance, I thought.
England scored in the 55th minute and led till the 85th minute of the game. Harry Kane was on the verge of playing his first World Cup Final. But it was not to be. Messi set up two goals in 7 minutes to turn English hopes into despair. The second goal was a death knell. It was all over, and I felt for Harry Kane.
The English captain had a phenomenal year. He won the Golden Boot in the Bundesliga for the third straight year. Bayern were crowned Bundesliga Champions, Kane’s second consecutive silverware. Lost to PSG in the Champions League in one of the most fiercely contested semi-finals. The World Cup was there for the taking. But it was not to be.
England once again missed the mark when they had to be steadfast. Thomas Tuchel, blamed for the English loss, gave it back with interest. He defended his actions and turned the blame on the English players. He mentioned their ‘DNA’, as if football were a genetic sport. But whatever the blame game, the fact remains that ‘Kane had missed again’.
Harry Kane is a great player, I hope he gets an even better team next World Cup and even a better Manager.
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