England's Kane dodges Haaland comparisons, plays down Golden Boot race

MIAMI, July 10 : Harry Kane refused to be drawn into comparisons with fellow striker Erling Haaland on Friday as the England captain prepares for a World Cup quarter-final showdown with Norway that could go some way to deciding who wins the tournament's Golden Boot.

Kane trails the Norwegian striker by one goal in the race, with Haaland on seven. Both are chasing leaders Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, who have scored eight goals each.

When asked who the better striker is, Kane - who won the World Cup Golden Boot in 2018 - diplomatically sidestepped the question.

"Impossible one for me to answer. First of all, I think we're completely different players almost. I know we're both senior strikers, but we play almost two different positions," Kane told reporters on Friday.

"I see myself as a different player, although I score the same goals. I like to maybe touch the ball a little bit more, but I can also play as maybe the out-and-out nine."

'HE'S A BEAST'

The 32-year-old was full of praise for his rival, however.

"Erling has been incredible. Physically, he's a machine, he's a beast. His finishing is at the highest level and obviously his goal scoring record speaks for itself," Kane added.

"I respect him a lot as a player, as a fellow professional. Obviously, hoping he has a quiet day tomorrow, but I think his overall performances over these recent years speak for themselves. He's a fantastic player."

Despite the individual accolades within reach, Kane insists team success remains his priority.

"My main goal is to win the World Cup with England, not the Golden Boot," he said.

"But I also know I'm the goalscorer. I'm the number nine. So if I'm scoring goals, it's obviously going to help the team."

KANE SET TO EQUAL ROONEY RECORD

Kane will