World Cup: Harry Kane loses voice after England survive Azteca thriller to reach quarter-finals

Harry Kane had little left to give by the time he walked into the television interview area after England’s gripping 3-2 victory over Mexico in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16.

Kane had scored the decisive penalty, helped England survive a frantic finish with 10 men and then joined teammates and supporters in celebration inside the Azteca Stadium. By the time the microphones were placed in front of him, his voice had all but disappeared.

“My voice has gone,” Kane said during his post-match interview with the BBC. “It was a crazy game. We had to fight. We had to find something. I’ve just been singing, I can’t really talk. The occasion, the team, everything against us, we found a way.”

His voice sounded even weaker moments later during an interview with FOX. “Speechless. I can’t even talk,” Kane said, laughing.

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There was little surprise Kane had lost his voice. England had just come through one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament, surviving a fierce Mexican fightback to book their place in the World Cup quarter-finals.

Jude Bellingham’s quickfire first-half double had put Thomas Tuchel’s side in control before Julian Quinones pulled one back for the hosts just before the break. The contest swung again early in the second half when Jarell Quansah was sent off after a VAR review, leaving England to play the final 36 minutes with 10 men.

Rather than retreat, England found another way to hurt Mexico. Anthony Gordon raced through on goal before being brought down by goalkeeper Raul Rangel, allowing Kane to calmly convert from the penalty spot and restore his side’s two-goal advantage.

Mexico refused to surrender. Raul Jimenez converted a penalty after another VAR review before the hosts launched wave after wave of attacks in front of a packed Azteca Stadium. Jordan Pickford stood firm with a series of crucial saves as England dug deep to preserve their lead and end Mexico’s dream of winning the World Cup on home soil.

Looking back on the contest, Kane admitted England had been pushed to their limits.

“I thought I got to the ball first,” he said of the penalty awarded against him. “It was one of those days. The ref gave a lot against us. In the end it didn’t matter, so I’m happy.”

Relief quickly gave way to celebration after the final whistle. England’s players made their way to the travelling supporters, belting out “Wonderwall” and “Three Lions” as the celebrations gathered pace inside the famous stadium.

By the time Kane reached the mixed zone, his voice had paid the price.

Tuchel said England’s mentality had made the difference on a night when his side were repeatedly forced to dig deep.

“We needed everything and it was super difficult,” the England manager said. “Every time we thought we had the momentum, we had setbacks. But that’s proper mentality. When the going gets tough, they never give up and never lose belief.”

England will now face Norway in the quarter-finals after emerging from one of the most demanding tests of their World Cup campaign, with Kane’s hoarse voice serving as the perfect reminder of just how much the victory meant.

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