'It's the type of person I am!' - Harry Kane reveals inspiration behind changed penalty technique after spot-kick earns Bayern Munich win at Monchengladbach

England captain Kane has converted from 12 yards on 10 occasions for club and country this season. He has not fluffed his lines over a dead ball since missing the target for the Three Lions in their World Cup clash with France in December 2022.

Kane was all about power at that point, as he regularly slammed the ball into the back of the net. The 31-year-old has tinkered with his run-up over the last 12 months, with a stutter added that allows him to spot any early movement from the goalkeeper.

That routine served him well against Gladbach, with Kane telling ESPN afterwards of why he changed his approach and how he has perfected it: “I normally do it every week, the day before a game. It’s the type of person I am, to keep improving and always try to keep the keepers guessing. It’s been a good run of penalties but, as always, it’s about the process and the mindset and thankfully it was another one that hit the back of the net.”

Kane’s strike sealed a hard-fought 1-0 win for Bayern in their latest Bundesliga fixture, but he saw the fewest touches of any outfield player. The 31-year-old added on why that is no cause for concern: “I don’t think I’m starved of touches. It’s about being effective when you do have the ball, creating chances and getting in the right areas. You are going to have games like that. On Wednesday I might touch the ball 100 times and not score and not effect the game, so it’s more about how you effect the game with the touches you have.”

Bayern, who sit four points clear at the top of the Bundesliga table, will be in midweek action when playing host to Hoffenheim. Kane heads into that contest with his goal tally for the season taken to 21 through as many appearances in all competitions.