‘Kane mirrors Maradona in his passion’

AFP, LONDON: England captain Harry Kane displays the same level of passion as Diego Maradona, the man who singlehandedly destroyed English hopes in the 1986 World Cup, Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino says. Kane's double on Monday secured England a 2-1 win over Tunisia in their World Cup opener to put Gareth Southgate's side in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stages.

Pochettino, who Kane has flourished under since the Argentinian took over at the helm in 2014, told The Sun on Thursday the striker sets as inspirational an example as Maradona did.

"I think of Diego Maradona, Ossie Ardiles, players like this, who I know loved being away with their country," said 46-year-old Pochettino.

"It is something special and Harry has created that with England. He loves Tottenham -- but he has a real passion with England also."

Maradona remains a controversial figure in England due to his 'Hand of God' goal in the 1986 quarter-final -- he added a sublime second to see his country to a 2-1 defeat of the English and they went on to lift the trophy.

Pochettino, who did not have an enjoyable 2002 World Cup conceding the penalty in the 1-0 loss to England with Argentina going out at the group stage, says Kane's dedication to his country is rubbing off on the other players.

"Harry loves going with the national team. I can see the players are starting to feel this connection with England," said Pochettino.

 

Kane mirrors Maradona in his passion

AFP, LONDON: England captain Harry Kane displays the same level of passion as Diego Maradona, the man who singlehandedly destroyed English hopes in the 1986 World Cup, Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino says. Kanes double on Monday secured England a 2-1 win over Tunisia in their World Cup opener to put Gareth Southgates side in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stages. Pochettino, who Kane has flourished under since the Argentinian took over at the helm in 2014, told The Sun on Thursday the striker sets as inspirational an example as Maradona did. I think of Diego Maradona, Ossie Ardiles, players like this, who I know loved being away with their country, said 46-year-old Pochettino. It is something special and Harry has created that with England. He loves Tottenham -- but he has a real passion with England also. Maradona remains a controversial figure in England due to his Hand of God goal in the 1986 quarter-final -- he added a sublime second to see his country to a 2-1 defeat of the English and they went on to lift the trophy. Pochettino, who did not have an enjoyable 2002 World Cup conceding the penalty in the 1-0 loss to England with Argentina going out at the group stage, says Kanes dedication to his country is rubbing off on the other players. Harry loves going with the national team. I can see the players are starting to feel this connection with England, said Pochettino.