England captain Harry Kane has described Norway striker Erling Haaland as “a machine” and “a beast” ahead of their eagerly anticipated FIFA World Cup quarter-final showdown, but insisted the pair are very different forwards.
The two prolific goalscorers will go head-to-head on Saturday as England and Norway battle for a place in the semi-finals, with both players also chasing the tournament’s Golden Boot.
Haaland has enjoyed a sensational first major international tournament, scoring seven goals in four matches, including a decisive brace that knocked out Brazil and propelled Norway into the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time.
Kane, meanwhile, has scored six times, taking his overall World Cup tally to 14 goals, but was quick to dismiss comparisons between himself and the Manchester City striker.
“I think we’re completely different players,” Kane said at his pre-match press conference.
“Erling is incredible. His goalscoring record speaks for itself. Physically, he’s a machine and a beast. His finishing is at the highest level.
“I like to get involved in the build-up a little more and touch the ball more, although I can also play as an out-and-out No. 9. I respect him enormously, but hopefully he’ll have a quiet day tomorrow.”
Despite their impressive returns, both trail Argentina’s Lionel Messi and France captain Kylian Mbappé, who have each scored eight goals to lead the race for the Golden Boot.
Kane, who won the Golden Boot at the 2018 World Cup, insisted individual honours remain secondary to England’s quest to end a 60-year wait for another major international trophy.
“My main objective is to win the World Cup rather than another Golden Boot,” he said.
“I’m a goalscorer and if I’m scoring, it helps the team. But lifting the trophy is what matters most.”
England have come close to ending their long wait for silverware in recent years, reaching two successive European Championship finals under Gareth Southgate and progressing deep into recent World Cups.
Kane believes the current squad is now within touching distance of history.
“We’re exactly where we wanted to be when we started this journey six weeks ago,” he said.
“We’ve overcome difficult moments and tough matches. Now we’re entering the final push and everyone has to perform at the highest level if we’re to achieve our dream.”
