Harry Kane collected his World Cup Golden Boot from Gareth Southgate on Saturday evening ahead of England’s match against Spain.
And he added a classy touch to proceedings by bringing along match day mascot Ben Williams, who is battling a brain tumour, along with him to collect the award at Wembley, and then ensured he had safely returned to pitch side before walking to the centre circle.
The five-year-old from Birmingham received a message from Kane during the World Cup after a touching video in which he received a replica World Cup was posted online. Spurs striker Kane referred to Williams as an ‘inspiration’.
The striker earned the honour after scoring six goals for the Three Lions at the tournament in Russia this summer. Kane captained England to the semi-final stage, the furthest they had been since 1990.
He further commemorated receiving the honour by donning gold boots for the Nations League game.
The footwear has been specially produced by Nike to mark his achievement. Inscribed within the boots is the insignia ‘Lane, Lion, Leader.’
Prior to the game, Southgate called Kane the best pure striker on the planet.
‘Look at the No 9s around the world — Messi and Ronaldo are different players — and I can’t see a better one,’ said Southgate.
‘As a player, you are always questioned and challenged about the next step. The reason I made him captain is he has that drive to continually improve. That’s what drives the very best.
‘They want to continually win, making a difference in the games that matter, winning trophies. That’s what I’ve seen in the last five years working with Harry. I don’t see any signs of that hunger and ambition dwindling. He’s coming into his prime.’