Harry Kane says his missed World Cup penalty “changed him” as he eyes glory in 2026
Harry Kane has opened up about the heartbreak that still haunts him from England’s World Cup exit in 2022 — and how that painful moment has transformed him into a stronger, more determined player.
The England captain’s missed penalty in the dying minutes of the quarter-final defeat to France in Qatar remains one of the most gut-wrenching moments in recent tournament history. With England trailing 2–1, Kane — usually lethal from the spot — blazed his second penalty over the bar in the 84th minute, ending England’s hopes of progression.
“It was probably the worst I’ve ever felt in my career,” the 32-year-old admitted. “Obviously, I’ve lost finals before, but that moment felt different. I had the responsibility, and it fell on my shoulders. Not being able to execute something I’ve done countless times before — that was the hardest part to process.”
The Bayern Munich striker, who has suffered Champions League and domestic final defeats during his time at Tottenham Hotspur, described the miss as his lowest point — worse than any club loss. But rather than allow it to define him, Kane said he used it to fuel his evolution as a player.
Embed from Getty Images
“I always try to learn from those moments,” he explained. “After that penalty, I went on a run of 31 successful spot-kicks without missing. I changed my technique a little — added a stutter in my run-up, waiting for the keeper to move. I improved in that sense, and I’m proud of that.”
Since the heartbreak in Qatar, Kane’s record from the spot has been near flawless. The sequence of 31 straight conversions was broken only at the start of this season when he missed for Bayern in the German Cup. But true to form, he immediately bounced back, scoring six in a row since — including one in England’s 5–0 victory over Latvia this week, which sealed qualification for next summer’s World Cup across the US, Canada and Mexico.
“That’s my last memory of a World Cup,” he reflected. “Now I’m looking forward to the next one — to try and put that right, go further, and hopefully lift the trophy. Those moments only shape you as a person and as a player. It’s definitely helped me become better.”
Kane’s determination is clear. With 76 goals for England, he is already the country’s all-time top scorer, surpassing Wayne Rooney’s record of 53. Yet he insists he’s far from done. “I’m not slowing down any time soon,” he said. “I want to stay at this level for as long as I can. A hundred goals for England? It’s there — definitely. I’ve got 24 to go and plenty of games before and after the World Cup to get there.”
His form for Bayern Munich has been equally impressive. With 18 goals already this season and three more for his country, Kane believes he’s playing the best football of his life. “The numbers speak for themselves,” he said. “Physically, mentally, and tactically, I feel in a really good place. I’ve stepped up another level this season.”
Thomas Tuchel, the England head coach and Kane’s club manager at Bayern, praised the striker’s professionalism and meticulous approach to penalties. “For me, he never misses,” Tuchel said. “Even when he does, it just resets the count. He’s relentless — I’ve never seen anyone train penalties the way he does. The effort he puts in is incredible.”
Tuchel admitted he was almost “relieved” when Kane’s streak ended earlier this season. “I thought, ‘At least it didn’t happen in the middle of a World Cup game.’ Now he can start a new streak.”
For Kane, the mission is clear — to avenge the agony of Qatar and finally deliver England the glory they crave. “I want to be back there,” he said with quiet determination. “I want to help England go further. That miss will always be part of my story — but it won’t be how it ends.”