In the sweltering Texan heat, Harry Kane will lead England onto the pitch against Croatia on Wednesday, taking centre stage at the legendary AT&T Stadium - home of the Dallas Cowboys. This is more than just a World Cup opener for the England captain – it's a chance to live his American dream.
Kane's love affair with US sports began over a decade ago, when he was still finding his feet in the Premier League with Tottenham. He was captivated by Tom Brady's rags-to-riches story, from being drafted late to becoming a six-time Super Bowl winner. The England record goalscorer even flew to Atlanta in 2019 to witness Brady's sixth title win and later met the legendary quarterback at a team party.
This isn't just about football for Kane; it's an all-American experience. He's built lasting relationships with top US sports figures, including Brady, and has been spotted on popular talk shows, even declaring his ambition to become an NFL kicker after hanging up his boots. And it's not just a one-off visit – the striker often returns to the States for golfing breaks in Florida and New York.
Kane draws parallels between his own career and Brady's underdog story, both having overcome initial doubts to achieve greatness. "Tom Brady didn't have it easy," Kane noted, praising the quarterback's hard work and determination as an inspiration for his own journey. He also loves the US athletes' open approach to their craft – "they wear their heart on their sleeve" – something that sets them apart from the British sports culture.
This World Cup opener is a defining moment for Kane, who'll lead England out at Gillette Stadium against Ghana in their second group game. As a die-hard Patriots fan, he can't wait to visit the iconic stadium for the first time – it's a chance to immerse himself in American sports culture and take his English football skills to new heights.