Harry Kane fired an emphaticshot at his doubters as he celebrated his 100th cap with a match-winning brace to down Finland on Tuesday night.
The England captain, who was presented with a golden cap before the game, scored twice to strengthen interim head coach Lee Carsley’s hopes of landing the job on a permanent basis with a routine win at Wembley.
Kane, who was joined on the pitch by two of his daughters and wife Kate, was among the players criticised for their performances at Euro 2024.
And on a special night, Kane said: ‘It was a big night for me, really proud. I want to score goals and help the team.
‘Whenever you are doubted, it makes you more hungry to prove people wrong. I always back myself to score goals and I am excited for the future.
Harry Kane fired an emphatic shot at his doubters as he celebrated his 100th cap with a match-winning brace against England
Kane was presented with a golden England cap alongside his wife, Kate, and children before the match on Tuesday
Kane walked out with his kids who were wearing shirts with 'Daddy 100' on the back to honour the special occasion
‘Nowadays as footballer your going to get criticism, people talk about you as a player. I’ve always said that when things aren’t going your way to use that to motivate you and bring a hunger inside you.
‘Not just to other people but to prove to yourself you can keep at the level. There will be a time, I’m not sure when, when the level will drop and you won’t feel the same. But whilst I keep feeling like this I want to keep pushing the boundaries. Come October I will be ready to go again.
‘I don’t think I was even thinking of 100 caps when I was on loan at Millwall, Leicester Norwich. I’ve learnt a lot over the years. Hopefully I’ll get 101 and 102 in October and few more goals as well.’
On the evening’s festivities, the Bayern Munich star added: ‘It was really special. My son [Henry] wasn’t really having it before the game.
‘He had a bit of a meltdown, it was a bit past his bedtime! He didn’t fancy coming out in the rain. Thankfully my wife was there to look after him.
‘It was a great occasion. They are a little bit young still to understand really what’s going on. But they are special memories when they're older when we can look back and see them on the pitch.
‘Everything I do wouldn’t have been possible without them. I’ve had some special nights in an England shirt and that was right up there.’
Carsley has won both of his games in charge following Saturday’s win over Republic of Ireland but the 50-year-old said: ‘I definitely don't feel comfortable still, I have been out of my comfort zone. I just want the players to do so well - that pushes you. I want to create opportunities for them to be effective.
Kane fired England ahead with a superb strike before adding a second goal minutes later
The England skipper revealed he is hungry to keep proving his doubters 'wrong'
Interim Three Lions boss Lee Carsley continues to impress as he bids to become the next permanent head coach
‘Enjoyable but we have to had make sure every single day we are producing high standards. Fortunate to get two good results and about building on that.’
On Kane, he added: ‘Harry took his goals really well, he fully deserves all the plaudits.
‘What I have noticed this week is he is highly motivated to play for England and score goals and to have a centre forward like that, hopefully it continues.’
Meanwhile, Carsley says Ben White will have to make the first move if he is to come out of his England exile.