Harry Kane’s former English teacher Denis McErlain says the striker’s success has been built on hard work, discipline and an unrivalled commitment to football.
Kane, who attended Chingford Foundation School, recently wrote on social media after lifting a prestigious trophy: “Work in silence. Let success make the noise.”
McErlain, who taught Kane English, coached him and helped prepare him for his GCSEs, told talkSPORT that the striker’s priorities were clear from an early age.
“Honestly, you could tell right awaythis was a boy just waiting for the bell to ring so he could go play football!” he said.
McErlain remembered Kane as an exceptional school player, although he did not believe the youngster was as far ahead of his team-mates as some might assume.
“He was an outstanding player, highly talented,” he said.
“Regarding Harry… I’d say his school team was strong at the time. You might think he was on a completely different level from the other kids, but it wasn’t quite that exaggerated.
“He was the best player on the team, and also a true role model.”
Kane went on to establish himself at every stage of his career, first progressing through the academy system before becoming a key player for Tottenham’s first team.
“I believe he reached where he is today through hard work and dedication,” McErlain added.
“At every level, he quickly established himself and then became the best at that level. After joining Tottenham’s first team, he quickly became the best player there too, and that’s defined his entire career, hasn’t it?”
Asked whether Kane had been the type of pupil to arrive late or fail to complete his homework, McErlain said his early involvement in football’s academy system may have shaped his focus.
“He joined the academy system very young,” he said. “He was a lovely boy, very polite and well-behaved, but to be honest, he cared about football more than anything else.”
Chingford Foundation School has also produced prominent footballers including David Beckham and Dwight Gayle. McErlain believes Kane’s defining quality was not one spectacular individual skill, but his ability to execute every part of the game to an elite standard.
“He didn’t have that astonishing trick that would make you go ‘Wow!’” he said.
“But he performed every aspect of the game to the highest standard, and I still see that in his play today, which always makes me smilewhether it’s with his left foot, right foot, or his head, he always puts the ball in the back of the net.”
McErlain said Kane’s versatility set him apart from players known for a particular physical or technical strength.
“He does everything well,” he said. “He might be the best centre-forward you’ve ever seen. He might also be one of the best attacking midfielders you’ve ever seen.
“Everything he does is at the highest level. He never had that instantly exceptional physical talent, so he had to work incredibly hard to compensate. What an inspiring story!”
