England captain Harry Kane appears to have emerged from the Three Lions’ battling World Cup last-16 victory over Mexico with a new fan – US president Donald Trump.
Kane scored what turned out to be England’s winner from the penalty spot in the 60th minute of the match at the Azteca in Mexico City as Thomas Tuchel’s side dug deep to book their place in the quarter finals, where they will meet Erling Haaland’s Norway.
A quick-fire brace from midfielder Jude Bellingham had put England ahead in the first half, before Julián Quiñones pulled a goal back for the tournament’s co-hosts just before the break.
Bayern Munich striker Kane extended England’s advantage on the hour mark, scoring from the penalty spot after Anthony Gordon was fouled by Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel.
However, Kane then conceded a penalty when he kicked Brian Gutierrez in the England box, and Raul Jimenez converted to half the deficit to 3-2 after 69 minutes.
England, who were down to ten men after right-back Jarell Quansah’s red card in the 54th minute, stayed resolute under immense pressure from Mexico and held out to secure one of the most extraordinary results in their history – arguably their best in the World Cup since 1966.
Amid the many plaudits for Kane’s side received, Mr Trump suggested was he was impressed with the England captain, who netted his sixth goal of this tournament – his 14th across his World Cup career.
“Harry Kane of England is a GREAT player!!!”, the US president wrote on his Truth Social platform on Monday morning.
It is not his first intervention in this World Cup, which is partly being hosted in the US, however.
Mr Trump reportedly called Fifa president Gianni Infantino to ask for a US striker’s suspension to be reviewed – before the ban was controversially suspended.
Folarin Balogun was sent off during USA’s last-32 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina, when he appeared to accidentally make contact with defender Tarik Muharemovic.
On Sunday, Fifa’s disciplinary committee announced that it was applying article 27 of the Fifa disciplinary code to suspend the red card, meaning Balogun will only serve his one-game ban if he commits another similar offence in the next 12 months.
Trump hailed the news, writing on Truth Social: “Thank you to Fifa for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!”
The Associated Press reported that Mr Trump had called Fifa boss Gianni Infantino after the game to ask for a review of the card.
