HARRY KANE is ready to write new history in the Azteca Stadium – thanks to some help from the late, great Diego Maradona.
England visit the iconic venue in Mexico City in Monday’s early hours for the first time since Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ goal that saw Argentina beat us at the 1986 World Cup.
Harry Kane is ready to write new history in the Azteca Stadium Credit: Getty
Diego Maradona celebrates his famous “Hand of God” goal Credit: PA
Super-striker Kane, who has five goals already in this tournament, has since received finishing tips from Maradona back in 2017, including how to give goalkeepers “the eyes”.
And the Three Lions captain is ready to use what he has learnt to help his country exorcise their Azteca demons against Mexico on their own patch.
Record-scorer Kane, 32, said: “We didn’t talk about that game (the 1986 loss to Argentina). It’s not a game many English people want to talk about to be honest.
“(Maradona) was great when I met him. We only spoke briefly.
“There was a clip of him talking about me finishing and giving the keeper the eyes. It’s quite a nice clip actually.
“It’s an historic stadium for many different reasons.
“A tough one to take as an Englishman after that game in particular but it was a long, long time ago.
“Forty years ago now. It’s about writing our own history.
“We know we have the chance to do something really special in a special stadium away from home.
“There is nothing better than that feeling of winning in a tough away game.
“It’s not about the past, it’s about what we can do in the future. We have a great opportunity to have a special evening.”
England players and fans are still sore from Maradona deliberately scoring with his hand in Argentina’s 2-1 win in the Azteca 40 years ago – dubbed the ‘Hand of God’.
Maradona also scored one of the greatest solo World Cup goals that day and is revered as one of the greatest players to ever play the game.
He died in November 2020 aged 60 of heart failure.
But three years before he met Kane when the England captain was still a Tottenham player, ahead of Spurs’ 4-1 win over Liverpool in the Premier League at Wembley.
Maradona was attending the game as a guest of compatriot and former Tottenham manager Ossie Ardiles and spoke to Kane in the home dressing room.
Fellow Argentine and then-Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino was alongside Maradona as the former Barcelona and Napoli star held Kane’s hand and gave the young striker tips in Spanish.
In a clip which has since gone viral, Maradona enthusiastically said: “Oh Harry, don’t always go near post with your shots. Go across goal sometimes.
“You know why? Goalkeepers watch you on TV all the time. So next time…across!”
It is unclear if Kane fully understood the advice, given the language barrier, but the England man respectfully gave Maradona the thumbs up and thanked him before leaving the dressing room.
Now Kane will be taking to the same pitch on which Maradona created one of the most memorable moments in World Cup history.
The Azteca will bring a serious challenge to England’s players because of its altitude, being 2,200m above sea level.
But because of the quick turnaround, there has been no chance to acclimatise and boss Thomas Tuchel has already branded it a “huge advantage” for the hosts.
Kane added: “There is not much we could do with altitude training. We did heat training in Florida for 10 days to acclimatise.
“The altitude was almost impossible to prepare for. Unless we stayed in Mexico the whole time or based there for 10 days.
“Logistically that wouldn’t have been great for the rest of the tournament. It wouldn’t have been worth it.
“It’s a big talking point and will have a small difference but we’re professional athletes, we have to deal with adversity every now and then.
“We’re doing as much as we can with little tips to help us. We’ll have to deal with it. There is no other way around it.
“If we get through it then all of those things will make the win feel even more special.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
