Harry Kane: Tottenham striker hits back at diver claims

Harry Kane has hit back at diver claims following recent criticism.

Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane insisted that he doesn’t dive, and unwanted criticism won’t bother him. The English International was queried after the three lions comprehensive victory over Bulgaria on Saturday.

The striker was at the end of criticism for his dive against Tottenham Hotspur in the North London derby. A little contact from Arsenal’s Sokratis saw Kane taking full advantage to go down and claim a penalty. Additionally, he has been crucified for his actions before.

The academy graduate played down his harsh criticism and wants to take his game to the next level.

He said: “I have never felt I should apologise for diving – and hopefully I don’t have to.

“I said after the game it was a 50-50 challenge. The week before against Newcastle we were denied a clear penalty. The year before against Arsenal we had a penalty from a similar challenge given against us.

“It happens in football. I am someone who uses his body well, which as a striker you have to do. On the half-way line it’s a free kick every day of the week.

“In the penalty box you don’t always get it. People’s opinions are their opinions. I wasn’t concentrating on that sort of stuff. For me, it’s about doing my best on the pitch and the most important thing is winning games.”

Kane scored a hat-trick against Bulgaria to move upwards in the all-time leading goalscorers list. He beat 1966 World Cup hero Geoff Hurst’s record of 24 goals for his country. Only Garry Lineker is ahead of him with goals from first 40 games – with 27. At this rate, one cannot rule out the possibility of Harry Kane leading the all-time leading scorer’s list. Wayne Rooney with 53 goals is the all-time leading scorer.

It has been a mixed start for Tottenham Hotspur this season. The London club were successful in their pursuit against Aston Villa and Manchester City with four points from opening two games. However, they faltered to Newcastle United in the third game week before losing a 2-0 lead to Arsenal in the high-voltage London derby.