Kane thriving in adversity as he bids to fire England to glory

Talismanic striker has never felt in better Shape, despite being stretched at club level

- Dan Kilpatrick

HARRY KANE launched his new foundation last month with a short animation, narrated by the player himself, which effectively framed his rise to the top of the game as a response to the "feeling of rejection" at being released by Arsenal as an eight-year-old.

After all these years, and as he prepares to lead his country at another World Cup here in Qatar, it is striking that Kane has not lost the burning desire to prove people wrong.

By his own admission, he has built an "identity" and "part of my personality" on silencing his doubters, although today, of course, there are few serious doubters left to quiet.

Instead, Kane's drive for self-improvement has come to feel like a battle against his own limitations, both mental and physical.

For all his strength of character, there has long been a perception that Kane has physical frailties, and the pre-tournament schedule has raised concerns about the 29-year-old's condition, particularly after Antonio Conte, the Tottenham head coach, revealed the striker was "very, very tired" last week.