The Rest Is Football
Episode: "Harry Kane: The Moments That Made Them"
Date: April 8, 2026 | Host: Goalhanger | Presenters: Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Micah Richards
Episode Overview
In this episode, Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, and Micah Richards dive deep into the career of Harry Kane, dissecting the moments that defined him as one of football’s greatest modern number nines. From his meteoric rise, early loan struggles, and iconic goals to the debate around his legacy and potential Premier League return, the panel brings their signature blend of experience, humor, and insight. The trio also touch upon wider topics – from the evolution of the striker role to football culture and dressing room traditions – all wrapped in classic banter and fond respect for Kane’s journey.
Main Discussion Points and Insights
Will Harry Kane Ever Return to the Premier League?
- Kane's Current Status: Now a star in Germany, scoring over a goal per match for Bayern Munich.
- Chasing Shearer’s Record: Lively banter about whether Kane will return to challenge Alan Shearer’s Premier League goal record.
- “He’s not going to come back.” – Alan Shearer, (01:36)
- “He could come back… Imagine having that tag just for that. Premier League top goal scorer.” – Gary Lineker, (02:49)
- The group debates age, club loyalty, and realistic clubs for Kane if he returned (03:22–04:53).
On Premier League Goal Records and Erling Haaland
- Alan predicts that if Haaland stays healthy and Man City avoid serious sanctions, Haaland will eventually break the record.
- “If there’s not a relegation punishment for Manchester City, if there’s any punishment at all, then I think Haaland, without any major injuries, will at some point beat your [record].” – Alan Shearer, (04:53)
- “I just want to be alive.” (05:27)
Harry Kane’s Rise: Loans, Rejection, and Resilience
- Praise for Kane’s perseverance through multiple loan spells (Leyton Orient, Millwall, Leicester, Norwich), initially doubted at every step.
- “He had to go on law[n] and work really hard.” – Richard Keys, (05:46)
- “Couldn’t get in the Leicester team… it’s crazy, isn’t it?” – Alan Shearer, (06:00)
- Reflection on the now-famous "Troy Deeney goal" play-off moment, with Kane and Vardy on the Leicester bench – a testament to overlooked potential (06:31–07:19).
Linguistic Side-Track: "Dived" vs. "Dove"
- A comical back-and-forth on the correct past tense of “dive” (08:02–08:59).
- “He dove.” “He dived.” “I’m gonna use it this weekend.”
(07:54–08:59)
- “He dove.” “He dived.” “I’m gonna use it this weekend.”
Youth Development: Loan Spells and Boot Cleaning
- Discussion about the value of young players going on loan—a route Kane exemplified.
- “You just have to play, don't you?” – Gary Lineker, (10:34)
- Nostalgia and disagreement over old-school boot cleaning and kit duties for apprentices.
- “Best thing ever, the old apprenticeship.” – Richard Keys, (12:07)
- “I'm not cleaning your boots.” – Gary Lineker, (12:24)
- Fondly recalled (and smelly) tales of kit room chores at Leicester (13:56–14:13).
Kane’s Great Goals: Crucial Moments
1. First Premier League Goal (11:19)
- Squad number 37 for Spurs, opened his account with a knack for smart positioning.
- Discussion on number allocations and “earning” your preferred shirt (11:39–12:01).
2. Statement Performance: Spurs 5-3 Chelsea (15:12)
- Described as a solo goal “with balance and power,” showing Kane’s ability as both scorer and creator.
- “He’s not just a number nine, he’s nine and a half, isn’t he?” – Alan Shearer, (16:13)
- Kane’s evolution into a deep-lying forward praised (16:13–16:28).
- The panel discusses the tactical shift of modern forwards, influenced by players like Thierry Henry.
3. Iconic Derby Goal vs. Arsenal (20:18)
- Kane’s wonder-strike in a North London Derby, while wearing a protective mask.
- “He has no right to shoot from there, especially with that mask on…” – Richard Keys, (20:47)
- Revealed as the all-time leading North London Derby scorer (21:07)
4. All-Round Striker: Goal vs. Crystal Palace and Partnership with Son (22:33–25:51)
- Praised for accuracy, movement, and “already picturing the finish before the ball arrives.”
- Discussion of the legendary Kane-Son combination (most goal combinations in a season).
- “He had that great partnership, didn’t he, with Heung-min Son over many years…” – Alan Shearer, (24:59)
- “37 goals and assists together in one season?” – Gary Lineker, (25:52)
- The panel imagines Kane as a “brilliant midfield player” due to his passing range and intelligence.
Wider Reflections and Banter
Football Traditions and Celebrations
- The evolution of goal celebrations, from spontaneous joy (arms raised) to more choreographed routines.
- “I never had anything thought out about any kind of celebration… nobody did back then.” – Alan Shearer (24:12)
- Gentle teasing about the “iconic” Shearer one-arm raise and Kane's low-key celebration.
Legendary Status and Statues
- Alan Shearer recounts the story of his own statue at Newcastle United. It was moved inside the stadium after a change of ownership (27:39–28:05).
- Speculation about a statue for Kane at Spurs if he returns, or even at Wembley should England win the World Cup.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “I can’t see why he would leave Germany. He’s playing for a great club… he’d be treated like a king there. They must love him.” – Alan Shearer (02:30)
- “No disrespect, Danny Welbeck’s still scoring goals, isn’t he?” – Gary Lineker (02:15)
- On perseverance: “To be knocked down, to be told, ‘not quite good enough’, then to come back and do what he’s done… is remarkable.” – Richard Keys (06:01)
- “He’s not just a number nine, he’s nine and a half.” – Alan Shearer (16:13)
- “That was the last time you were hard, wasn’t it?” – Richard Keys, joking about Lineker’s kit room days (14:13)
- “14. [Goals in North London Derbys]. It’s not bad at all.” – Gary Lineker (21:13)
Important Segments & Timestamps
- 01:08–04:53: Debate on Kane’s potential return to England and pursuit of Shearer’s record
- 05:33–07:58: Kane’s early career struggles and pathway through loans; famous Leicester moment
- 08:02–08:59: Banter on the use of “dove” vs “dived”
- 10:13–14:13: Discussion on loan spells, boot cleaning, and football apprenticeship culture
- 15:12–17:08: Analysis of Kane’s standout goals and his evolutions as a forward
- 20:18–21:14: North London Derby special; Kane’s record against Arsenal
- 22:33–27:14: Kane-Son partnership, goal celebrations, and footballing partnerships
- 27:39–28:23: Legendary status: statues, legacies, and hallmarks of greatness
Conclusion
The episode offers a rich, affectionate, and often hilarious look at Harry Kane’s career and the shifting world of the modern striker. Whether reminiscing about muddy kit rooms or breaking down deadly finishing, Lineker, Shearer, and Richards bring warmth, expertise, and plenty of banter, reinforcing Kane’s status as a Premier League and England legend—with the feel that his story may not be over yet.
Goodbye from Gary, Alan, and Micah – see you for the next essential football chat.