Profile: Tottenham and England striker Harry Kane

Despite failing to fire yet this time, the word ‘miraculous’ is one of many to sum up Harry Kane’s last 12 months. From not featuring in the Premier League this time a year ago, to playing the number 9 role in a Three Lions shirt at Wembley. The rise has been quite remarkable.

Shoot takes a look at the young star’s progression as he has changed himself from Football League journeyman, to a man who could just become an icon in years to come at White Hart Lane and, perhaps, with England as well.

Where did it all start for the Tottenham forward?

Born in Chingford, London, Kane was born to Irish decent through his father and had a passion for football since a young age. At the age of eight, he was signed by local side Arsenal. But after he was released a year later, he made the short trip to Hertfordshire where he spent time at Watford before again moving on – this time to Tottenham. Here he progressed all the way to the top and made his debut in August 2011 in a Europa League tie after impressing then-Leyton Orient manager Russell Slade whilst spending time on loan at Brisbane Road.

What happened next?

Despite making the odd European appearance, even Harry Redknapp admitted that Kane needed to progress if he was make the step up to Premier League football.  With that in mind he was loaned to Championship side Milwall. Here he would make an impressive impact at The Den, scoring nine goals in 27 appearances and was even voted the club’s Young Player of The Year for the season of 2011-12. After proving himself in the championship, now it was the turn to prove himself in the top flight. Norwich City was his destination where he floated in and out of the first-team, managing just three appearances. This saw him return to Spurs and return to the Championship, this time with Leicester City. At the King Power he suffered heartbreak as he featured in the dramatic play-off match at Vicarage Road in which the Foxes were dramatically beaten in the dying seconds thanks to Troy Deeney’s finish.

When did he start to shine for Tottenham?

Only in the past 12 months. In fact, it is hard to believe that this time last year, he wasn’t even a starter in the Premier League. But after netting for fun in Europe, he forced his way into the side and he started to fnd the back of the net. New Year’s Day 2015 will be a day that Kane will never forget as he put in a Man of the Match display against Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea side, scoring twice and earning his side a penalty in a 5-3 win. Goals and performances kept on coming; it was as if a footballing god had been sent down to shine on Tottenham. He ended the season with 31 goals in 51 club appearances. Everyone now knew who Harry Kane was.

What about his displays on the international front?

Kane has been in the England set-up since his teenage years with him impressing at all levels since Under-17s. But despite being an Under-21 regular, people never really perceived him as a player who would make it into Roy Hodgson’s side. That wasn’t until 2015. His form was so phenomenal that it came as no big surprise when, in March, it was announced that Kane was on his way to join the senior team. His first game; Lithuania on a cool Friday night at Wembley Stadium, and just 79 seconds into his debut he met a header to score his first England goal. The dream had come true. He had scored for his national side. Since then he has netted two more times to give him three goals in five caps.

Why is he so dangerous?

His physique and ability to bring the ball down makes him a good target man but his movement and driving runs also makes him a person to be feared when he is on the ball. His ability to score with both feet and his head means the opposition is never safe when Kane has the ball in the final third.