Chris Sutton gives his verdict in the Shearer v Kane debate

Harry Kane or Alan Shearer? Chris Sutton gives his verdict on the two star strikers on Mail Sport’s It’s All Coming Up podcast… admitting he can’t separate his former ‘SAS’ partner and the England captain’s finishing ability

  • Harry Kane extended his record England tally to 61 with a brace against Italy 
  • Alan Shearer and Kane are the most prolific strikers in Premier League history  
  • Listen to the latest episode of Mail Sport’s podcast ‘It’s All Coming Up!’ 

Harry Kane’s brace against Italy on Tuesday night took him past Sir Bobby Charlton for most goals scored at Wembley and extended his record tally for the Three Lions. 

The Bayern Munich star has in recent years collected individual accolades as team honours proved illusive with his former club Tottenham. 

In that regard Kane is similar to another titan of the English game and the man whose Premier League record has become the holy grail for strikers in the top-flight. 

Kane’s goalscoring exploits have put him in an exalted group but, according to Chris Sutton, he is still not the equal of the 53-year-old. 

A former team-mate of the deadly marksman, Sutton reckons Shearer’s combination of pace and power in his peak separates the two. But he does admit that Kane’s finishing prowess is on a similar level to his Blackburn running mate. 

Harry Kane extended his record England tally to 61 goals in just 87 international outings 

Alan Shearer spent four seasons with Blackburn Rovers and scored 123 goals in 162 games 

Chris Sutton (right) feels Shearer’s combination of pace and power sets him apart from Kane

‘For an out and out number nine, Shearer,’ he said on Mail Sport’s It’s All Coming Up podcast. 

‘I will tell you why. I think Alan Shearer in his pomp was a strong runner, more than a strong runner. He had that power. He had that pace.

‘In terms of goal scoring ability, natural finishers, I don’t think you can split them. I think Kane is a wonderful finisher. Shearer was a wonderful finisher, both excellent in the air. 

‘Kane likes to drop deep, doesn’t he? And link the play. I think he’s brilliant at that. If he lacks anything, it’s a bit of pace. I think Shearer in his pomp had that pace, had that power, had that goal scoring ability.

‘Shearer was the ultimate number nine as far as I’m concerned. Kane is a nine and a 10. So they are slightly different in the way that they play. They’re both excellent.’

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The pair formed the formidable ‘SAS’ strike partnership that fired Blackburn to the 1995 title

Kane’s goals, which helped secure EURO 2024 qualification, took him to 12 goals in 13 games for club and country this season. 

The 30-year-old has made a positive start to life in Germany with the Bundesliga champions and looks set to continue his incredible scoring form for years to come. 

Still, faced with the inenviable task of deciding between the England skipper and his ex-team-mate, Sutton naturally picked Shearer when questioned by Ian Ladyman on which striker he’d want on the end of a through ball in the last minute of a game. 

‘Ugh. Shearer,’ he said.  

IT’S ALL KICKING OFF! 

It’s All Kicking Off is an exciting new podcast from Mail Sport that promises a different take on Premier League football.

It is available on MailOnline, Mail+, YouTube, Apple Music and Spotify.

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