England clash with Norway today for a place in the World Cup semi-finals, but for millions of viewers the real battle is Harry Kane vs. Erling Haaland.
Rarely do two strikers with such extraordinary pedigree meet in a knockout tie. One animal appears to have been bred in a laboratory for soccer royalty. The other had to scrape, toil and graft through the muddy grooves of lower league football.
Now, they face off under the Miami sun as perhaps two of the most high-profile, prolific and destructive center forwards in the modern game. And according to Mirror chief football writer John Cross, Kane could have the upper hand.
“Harry Kane, a man who has been in great form this season, is going up against Erling Haaland, an absolute goal machine,” Cross said on the latest episode of the Make Football Great Again podcast.
“In terms of career stats, there is no doubt that Haaland will be at the top in the long run. But the season has just ended and there is no doubt about it. The winner is Kane. He has had the best season of his life.”
That amazing form has carried over seamlessly into this tournament. Both players have moved beyond the top four and are firmly in the running for the World Cup’s Golden Ball. Haaland is just one goal behind Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, with Kane trailing behind with two goals.
This number is not surprising. They have scored 130 goals and assists for club and country this season. Kane, in particular, showed no signs of slowing down, scoring an astonishing 73 goals in just 63 appearances. He is now nine goals shy of the all-time single-season record of 82, set by Messi in 2011/12.
Aura vs omnidirectional radiance
According to Kross, Erling Haaland’s ‘aura’ has contributed greatly to Norway (Image: FIFA via Getty Images)
Haaland’s impact on this World Cup is already frightening. The Norwegian powerhouse has scored seven goals in just four games – having been absent from the squad for the group stage game against France – proving exactly why the country relies on him so much.
“Norway is really very dependent on Haaland,” Klos said. “Yes, we have Martin Odegaard, we have some good wingers… but I feel that Haaland’s influence and presence and the aura he gives them is really quite significant.
“I just thought of Harry Kane and a lot of people would immediately say, ‘Well, Kane is exactly the same.’ I think so, but I would argue a little less, because in the England team you have Jude Bellingham, you have Bukayo Saka, you have Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson, two midfielders who are each worth over £100 million.
“So, with that in mind and thinking about who has more influence and who is more important to the team, I think it has to be Haaland.”
While Haaland gives Norway an unparalleled aura and raw, frightening power, Kane offers something entirely different. The England captains have struggled to emphasize their differences in style in the build-up, and Cross strongly believes Kane’s all-round game gives him the edge.
Cross says Kane is a better footballer (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
“Maybe you can be unashamedly biased towards England and still probably choose Harry Kane,” he said. “Haaland is just the perfect goal machine. I would argue that Kane is the better all-round player. He’s better in terms of control, connection of play, teamwork, deep drops, he’s the all-round package.”
A battle for history
Despite Kane’s talent, there’s a lingering feeling that he doesn’t receive enough of the universal respect given to his younger rival.
“Who will go down in history as the better striker? Haaland,” Cross admits. “I think he has a bit more charm and superstarness because he’s had more years under his belt… I don’t think Kane has and I’m frustrated by that and he doesn’t get the credit and respect he deserves. It’s Harry Kane, the raw Harry, not coming through the Tottenham Academy and winning trophies there.”
But there’s one way Kane is sure to cement his legacy above all others. Thomas Tuchel’s side have picked up three wins against great teams and the path is clear.
“If England win the World Cup – imagine that, I think ultimately there will be no debate that Kane will win the Ballon d’Or,” Cross said.
Today in Miami, under the hot Florida sun, it’s not just about a spot in the Final Four. It’s a shootout for soccer’s immortality. Prince against Grafter. Haaland vs Kane. Sit back and enjoy the ride.
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