Before England's Nations League win over Czech Republic on Tuesday night, Thomas Tuchel admitted he was running out of words to describe Harry Kane. Nominated for the Ballon d'Or after yet another sensational campaign for club and country, the 33-year-old is scaling the highest of heights. Even now, as he enters the twilight years of his career, the veteran remains just as dependable as ever.
It would be a travesty if the former Tottenham striker, who has finally tasted silverware after leaving north London for Bayern Munich three years ago, ends his career without ever lifting a prize for his country. England, while they still have him, must ensure that blemish is removed from his copybook.
The Three Lions have, of course, had plenty of talented players over the years who have come and gone without ever tasting glory.
Bryan Robson and Glenn Hoddle flourished in the 1980s. Paul Gascoigne was the talisman of the 90s. In the 2000s and early 2010s, they looked to Wayne Rooney to conjure and inspire, only for the Manchester United icon's body to let him down.
Kane, to his immense credit, has got closer than those ghosts of the past.
He should have won the European Championships in 2021 before Italy went against the script on home soil. In Euro 2024, Spain shone as they pipped Gareth Southgate's side to glory. At the World Cup in North America this summer, England were in control before Thomas Tuchel lost his composure and Argentina bullied their way to victory. As much as those memories haunt supporters, it crushes their leader that bit more.
Tuesday night marked a landmark occasion for the forward. Finally, after all these years, Peter Shilton no longer stands alone on 125 international appearances.
Kane has joined that club now and, when England return to action against Croatia on November 12, will likely move ahead into a realm of his own. For an outfield player to achieve such a feat speaks volumes about his character and his dedication to the cause.
It was marked, typically, with goals.
Five minutes before the interval, Kane notched his 89th international strike from close range, converting from close range after a free-flowing move. Just 12 minutes after the restart, he had his brace, and his sixth Nations League goal from four appearances. Earlier in the game, it was his cross that was bundled into his own net by Czech Republic defender VladimÃr Coufal to break the visitors' resolve.
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The night was a comfortable one for England and their captain.
They dominated proceedings from start to finish, playing like a side brimming with confidence. It has been a positive international break for the Three Lions, who have bounced back impressively from their World Cup heartbreak, a tight 3-2 defeat to Spain on matchday one aside.
Now, the onus is on the players to deliver a trophy. Not just for the supporters, who have experienced 60 years of hurt and counting. But for their captain, too.
When Kane made his England debut against Lithuania back in March 2015, the Three Lions were looking for somebody to replace Rooney as the nation's talisman. Years of playing at the top had started to take a toll on the forward. Danny Welbeck, another option at the time, was plagued by inconsistency. Daniel Sturridge and Danny Ings had fitness issues. Jamie Vardy wasn't even under consideration amid a relegation battle at Leicester.
But Kane stepped up immediately, taking just 79 seconds to get off the mark.
Since then, he hasn't looked back, scoring 90 more times. By the time he hangs up his boots, whenever that dark day comes, English football will owe him a great debt. Time and time again, he has delivered when others haven't.
Kane is a player who belongs among the greats of the game. The very best, after all, produce for their countries as well as their clubs. Lionel Messi has one World Cup and two Copa Americas with Argentina. Cristiano Ronaldo won the European Championships with Portugal and added two Nations Leagues to his record.
But Kane, even after 125 appearances and 91 goals, still has nothing.
Individual records, sure. But nobody, really, will remember those when he's gone.
It will be about what he won with England, and what he was able to guide them to. He already carries a significant legacy. A trophy would make it even better.
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