Shearer backs Kane to shrug off penalty miss after record-equalling display against Croatia

Harry Kane silenced any doubts about his composure on Wednesday, missing and then converting a retaken penalty before heading his way to Gary Lineker’s England World Cup goals record of 10 as England beat Croatia 4-2.

Referee Clement Turpin ordered the retake after goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic was adjudged to have come off his line to deny Kane’s initial effort. The Bayern Munich striker stepped up a second time and sent Livakovic the wrong way, before a powerful header shortly after drew him level with Lineker’s record tally across World Cup competitions.

Alan Shearer, who scored 30 goals in 63 appearances for England, said the mental challenge of retaking a penalty on the international stage is one of the sport’s most demanding tests. “It’s tough enough taking a penalty for England,” the former Newcastle United striker said. “I’ve been there and you know there’s millions and millions of people watching you on TV. But the most important people are the 10 people behind you. Your teammates. That’s who you don’t want to let down.”

Shearer argued that the retake scenario actually raised the psychological stakes further. “Once the keeper had saved the first one and the referee correctly awarded a re-take, you have to then be so mentally strong because it becomes mind games. The goalkeeper is wondering whether Harry will go the same way and you’re thinking about what the keeper is going to do. To stay focused, stay strong and then have the courage to put it exactly where he went the first time — I think Harry won that battle and those mind games.”

Kane has scored 108 penalties across his career, though this was his fourth miss of the season, having also failed from the spot for Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga, Champions League, and DFB Pokal. Shearer was quick to frame that in the context of Kane’s broader output — 61 goals for Bayern in the season just completed, along with two Bundesliga titles.

“He’s just an outstanding individual, he really is,” Shearer added. “61 goals he got for Bayern. I remember the days when 20 was acceptable. Harry is incredible. He looks full of belief and is really strong and fit.”

England, under Thomas Tuchel, are chasing a first major honour in 60 years, and Kane’s ability to absorb pressure and still deliver at critical moments will be central to how far they go in the tournament.