Why Harry Kane has “pleaded” to start against San Marino

England head to San Marino

England wrap up their World Cup qualifying campaign with a trip to minnows San Marino, knowing that a point will see them qualify for next season’s World Cup in Qatar.

The Three Lions picked up a 5-0 win at Wembley over Albania, with captain Harry Kane netting a hat-trick in the first half, following goals from Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson.

A strong display. 💪#ThreeLions | @GoogleCloud_UKI pic.twitter.com/MPvL6MlOVc

— England (@England) November 12, 2021

There was even enough time for Emile Smith Rowe to make his debut for Gareth Southgate’s side, and has given the England boss the security to know that they simply need to avoid defeat against a side that has scored once all qualifying in order to progress to Qatar next November.

Buzzing to make my debut at Wembley ✅ Great team performance 💫 pic.twitter.com/XOvUt87IbT

— Emile Smith Rowe (@emilesmithrowe) November 12, 2021

Kane demands game-time against San Marino

Now, as per a report in the Daily Mail, Harry Kane has “pleaded” with Gareth Southgate to let him start against the minnows, having been left out for the return game at Wembley earlier in the qualification process.

Chasing Wayne Rooney’s international goal record, Kane is eyeing more easy goals to add to his ever-growing tally, which currently sits at 44. Rooney, England’s all-time goalscorer with 53 goals, is tantalisingly close.

Kane has not featured in any of the group games against either Andorra or San Marino (opponents against whom Rooney notched up 7 goals in 5 games), and will be looking to make hay should he be offered the opportunity to do so this evening.

While he is England’s top goalscorer in competitive matches, he remains behind the Manchester United man, but at 28 years old has plenty of time still left to catch up.

The #ThreeLions‘ all-time top goalscorer in competitive matches: @HKane! 🦁 pic.twitter.com/gtwytPc8v0

— England (@England) November 13, 2021

Will Southgate give in to his captain’s demands, and will Kane be able to bring his goalscoring form at national level back to Tottenham in the Premier League?

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