England legend David Beckham turned 42 on Tuesday and remains an idol to most of the current Three Lions stars who grew up watching him.
For Harry Kane, the inspiration of Beckham runs even deeper as the Tottenham Hotspur and England striker grew up in the same area of north-east London and even went to the same school in Chingford.
And the two have formed a special bond over the years since an 11-year-old Kane was first photographed with the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star as a schoolboy and then going on to meet again when Beckham spent time training with Spurs in the later stages of his glittering career.
“He was a big role model of mine growing up as he’s from the same area and he was right in the era when I loved playing football,” revealed Kane.
“He was a role model on and off the pitch and he still is now, he’s always got time for people and fans and he’s doing that very well off the pitch.
“He was a great professional, so looking at people like him can only make you a better person and player.”
As for that famous photo above which also includes Kane’s girlfriend Katie and the time spent with Beckham as a young professional, Kane still looks back with fondness at the way one of his idols took the time out to chat.
“I first met him in year seven, as he went to the same secondary school as me and we got to launch his Academy at the O2 and there’s been some pictures flying about.
“I got his autograph then and he came to train at Spurs under Harry Redknapp for a couple of months, so I got to meet him then and talk to him about that and my career.
“He’s very down to earth and a top bloke.”
