Harry Kane of England attends a press conference ahead of the UEFA Nations League game against Finland in Enfield, England, September 9, 2024. /CFP
Harry Kane is about to make his 100th appearance for England in the UEFA Nations League Group B2 home game against Finland on Tuesday. At a press conference on Monday, Kane reiterated his desire to play into his late thirties, like what Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal does.
Ronaldo, 39, scored the 901st goal of his career after finding the net in Portugal's 2-1 win over Scotland on September 8.
"I feel in really good shape. I feel both physically and mentally at a peak in my career," Kane said "Just watching other players like Ronaldo scoring his 901st goal yesterday and seeing him compete at 38, 39 years old, just inspires me to play for as long as possible."
Kane, 31, said he grew up looking up to both Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, the rivalry of which defined an era.
Harry Kane (#9) of England dribbles in the UEFA Nations League against Ireland at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland, September 7, 2024. /CFP
"They were in their prime as I was coming into the teenage years and probably when I was coming into football and really wanted to improve and get better, not just when I loved football. Both of them were inspirations to me," Kane said. "But I just think to have that hunger and desire and that determination, almost a sense to keep proving people wrong and proving to yourself that you can keep being the best you can be, so whenever the days comes when you stop playing, you can be proud of what you've done."
Kane is already the all-time scoring leader of England with 66 goals. Nine players have made at least 100 appearances for the "Three Lions" and the last one was Wayne Rooney.
"I love this game, I love representing England more than anything and I don't want it to end any time soon," Kane added. "For me, it is about continuing to improve, being consistent in an England shirt and at club level. Who knows how many caps or goals I can get but I am hungry for more and determined to keep pushing the boundaries."