Michael Dawson on Harry, our Five Lions...and Luka
Wed 11 July 2018, 13:18|
Tottenham Hotspur
Our legendary former skipper Michael Dawson reeled off the superlatives when asked about the five Spurs players who have helped England to the semi-finals of the World Cup – and the former Spur now leading Croatia’s bid to end the party.
‘Daws’ played 323 times for us between 2005-2014 and wore the armband in his last two seasons. In the middle of that spell, a certain Luka Modric joined us from Dinamo Zagreb, playing 160 times between 2008-2012. Now 32, Luka will lead out Croatia in Moscow on Wednesday night (7pm UK). Opposite, a striker just making strides in the game at Spurs when Luka departed, Harry Kane.
Capped four times by England and a member of the 2010 World Cup squad, Michael, 34, who returned to his first club Forest this summer, knows what it’s like to be at the biggest tournament in the world and what an achievement it is for England to reach this stage in Russia, and have nine of our players in total in the last four.
The way he carries himself, he’s a credit to Spurs and England
Daws on… Harry Kane
“Harry’s just continued doing what he’s done for a few years now, and that’s scoring goals on the big stage. He’s captain of England and the way he carries himself, he’s a credit to Spurs and England.
“You don’t get to where he’s got to without hard work. He got his opportunity four years ago and he hasn’t looked back. He’s really taken off. He stays out of the limelight and the only way he gets into the media is through what he does on the pitch. He was so focused in those earlier days, so driven to be successful. The rewards he’s getting now haven’t come without that graft.”
Kieran Trippier has been one of England’s best players
Daws on… our Five Lions
“It’s incredible for the Club and like Harry, it’s all about hard work reaping rewards. You can same the same for Danny Rose, Dele, Eric Dier and Kieran Trippier, he’s been incredible. I was always a big fan of ‘Trips’, perhaps he didn’t get the credit he deserved when he was at Burnley, but he’s showed what he’s capable of at world level. He’s been one of England’s best players.”
Daws on… Luka
“Croatia have some fantastic players like Rakitic, Mandzukic and Kramaric but Luka’s the heartbeat of that side. What a player. It took him a year or so to settle into the Premier League - we all know how tough it is - but then we saw the Luka Modric we all know.
“He’s a magician with the football. He’s only small but people can’t get near him. He’s got mental strength as well. He missed a penalty near the end against Denmark (last 16) but then stepped up to score in the shoot-out. He then scored another in the shoot-out against Russia in the quarter-final. He’s a captain, a leader, a great player and a great lad as well.”
He tries to pick up the ball wherever he is on the pitch. He’s like a magnet
Daws on… stopping Luka
“He tries to pick up the ball wherever he is on the pitch. He’s like a magnet. You want him as far away from your goal as possible. He’s their conductor, he creates, keeps the ball ticking over with Rakitic. If we can stop them, we’ll have a real chance. This will be the biggest test by a long way and I don’t believe Croatia have hit the heights yet, but we can definitely beat them. I’m cheering as much as anyone and it’s exciting, incredible, unbelievable. Everyone is together, we’re all buzzing.”
Daws on… another pre-season!
“It’s great to be back at Forest. My body feels really good, really good. Football has changed, you don’t run as much, you get the footballs out earlier. The Championship is tough though, you have to grind it out. I played 41 games last season. You have to look after your body and hopefully steer clear of injuries, but I’m feeling good. I love it as much as ever!”
