England captain Harry Kane inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo as he prepares for 100th international appearance

England captain Harry Kane has drawn inspiration from Cristiano Ronaldo’s sporting longevity ahead of his 100th cap against Finland in the Nations League at Wembley on Tuesday.

The 31-year-old Bayern Munich forward, who has scored 66 goals in 99 international appearances since his debut in 2015, is the first England men’s player to reach a centenary since Wayne Rooney in November 2014.

Also read: Harry Kane to become 10th Englishman to play 100 internationals: a look at England’s most capped footballers

Kane, who will become the 10th player to reach 100 caps for England, made reference to Ronaldo after the 39-year-old Portugal captain scored his 901st career goal to help his side beat Scotland 2-1 in the Nations League on Sunday.

“I feel really fit, physically and mentally, at the peak of my career. Watching other players, Ronaldo scoring his 901st goal, seeing him competing at 39 inspires me to play as long as I can,” Kane told reporters on Monday.

“I love this game, I love representing England more than anything in the world and I don’t want that to stop any time soon. For me personally, it’s now about continuing to improve and being consistent, whether that’s in an England shirt or at club level.

“I am hungry for more and more. I am determined to push my limits further and further.”

The FA will pay tribute to Kane ahead of the Nations League B Group 2 match against Finland with a special pre-match ceremony which will include the presentation of a gold cap.

“REALLY SPECIAL”

“It’s really special. I always say it’s sometimes hard to realise when you’re playing. I’ve talked about it before with the goal tally, but this one I’m extremely proud of,” Kane said.

“It’s something I’m really looking forward to, my family will be there to enjoy it as well and it’s a moment I’m sure I’ll remember when I retire.”

England interim manager Lee Carsley, meanwhile, said he was enjoying his time with the team.

Carsley, who has been in charge of the country’s Under-21s since 2021 and led them to the European title last year, will oversee two senior games this month with a view to staying until the autumn as England search for a full-time successor to Gareth Southgate.

Carsley won his first game in charge of England against Ireland 2-0 on Saturday.

“I think it’s pretty clear that I’m going to do all three courses. I’m really happy with that, and if that changes I’ll be happy with that. I’m very fortunate in the position I’m in, as far as the Under-21s go,” Carsley added.

“What is important is the team, not the coaches. They are the ones who should be in the spotlight and who should attract attention.”

Carsley said England would make two or three changes to freshen things up for the clash with Finland.