Harry Kane has been the captain of England’s team since the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and he is now leading the 26-man squad, managed by Gareth Southgate, into the Euros. Their first match will be on Sunday, June 16 at 8pm against Serbia.
In the last Euros, England finished as runners-up, marking their first appearance in a tournament final since 1966. They narrowly lost the title to Italy during penalties.
This year, they aim to bring the trophy home, with Kane playing a crucial role. But the captain had humble beginnings in East London, having been born and raised in the borough of Waltham Forest.
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Kane, 30, was born in Whipps Cross Hospital and spent his early years in Walthamstow, before moving with his family to Chingford. He attended Larkswood Primary Academy until 2004 and then Chingford Foundation School, the same school that produced another England football legend, David Beckham.
From a young age, Kane showed a passion for football. At six, he joined local club Ridgeway Rovers and, at eight, entered the Arsenal youth academy.
However, his initial stint was short-lived. Liam Brady, then head of Arsenal’s academy, revealed that Kane was released after one season for being ‘a bit chubby’ and not ‘very athletic’. Undeterred, Kane returned to his old club in Chingford.
At 11, Kane had a brief trial with Watford’s academy, which eventually led to another opportunity at Tottenham. Initially, he played as a midfielder, transitioning from a holding role to an attacking one.
In 2010, Kane signed his first professional contract with Tottenham, where he stayed until 2023. He then became the most expensive signing in Bundesliga history, costing €110 million, as he signed for Bayern Munich.
He holds the title of all-time highest goalscorer for both Tottenham Hotspur and the England national team and is the second-highest goalscorer in Premier League history behind Alan Shearer, a record he was on course to break before his move to Germany. In total, Kane has scored over 400 goals for his club and country.
Off the field, Kane married his childhood sweetheart, Katie Goodland, in 2019. The couple, who attended school together, have three children: Ivy Jane, Vivienne Jane, and Louis Harry.
