Harry Kane became the first Englishman since Michael Owen in 2001 to win the Ballon d’Or this week. It comes after a stunning campaign for club and country, with Kane now confirmed as the best player in the world.
Understandably, English football fans have been taking just as much pride in Kane’s Ballon d’Or award as his club, Bayern Munich. Part of the reason behind Kane’s triumph is his performances for England at the World Cup, where the Three Lions reached the semi-finals for a second time in eight years.
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While Kane might’ve broken the hoodoo by winning a trophy at club level, that elusive international triumph with England still evades the former Tottenham star. But that hasn’t stopped England fans from campaigning to see Kane given a knighthood for his services to football.
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However, it’s an opinion that appears to be in the minority. That’s because, according to Express Sport readers, roughly two in every three believe Kane hasn’t done enough to be given a knighthood.
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Presumably that’s because he is yet to win a trophy as England captain, having lost two European Championship finals and reached the World Cup semi-finals twice. Or maybe it’s because his club achievements with Tottenham and Bayern pale in comparison to other footballers who have received knighthoods, like David Beckham and Kenny Dalglish.
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Whatever it might be, overall, 69 per cent of people said Kane shouldn’t be given a knighthood, despite the recent Ballon d’Or win. But those people might be left disappointed, given Downing Street hinted at a potential future knighthood.
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A spokesperson said: “The PM would like to congratulate Harry Kane on winning the Ballon d’Or. To be the first Englishman to win it in 25 years is an extraordinary achievement, and what a moment to do it here at home.
“Seventy years after Sir Stanley Matthews won the inaugural award, it caps a remarkable season and Harry continues to set a brilliant example to young players across the country, and the PM knows the whole nation will be incredibly proud of him. And, hopefully, there’s another trophy to celebrate with England before too long.”
Asked whether Burnham would like to see Kane receive a knighthood, they added: “I think everyone would agree, Harry Kane has given an enormous amount to English football, and this is a very special moment for him and the country, but, as ever, I’m not going to pre-empt the honours process.”