Lloris vs Kane – the club mates’ heated World Cup meeting

Lloris, 35, and Kane, 28, meet every other day at Tottenham’s training base in Enfield, on the north outskirts of London. The goalkeeper and the striker are two of the most respected and valued players in the Premier League club.

Kane started in the club’s boys’ team when he was around 10 years old, Lloris was recruited from Lyon ten years ago.

“An example for others”

— We have a good relationship. We have played together for over nine years and know each other well, both on and off the field. I have only positive things to say about Harry. He is an important player both for the club and for England.

“He is a leader, an example for other players and a top-class player,” says Hugo Lloris at the press conference before the match.

— It is important for me to have him nearby. We have a lot of trust in each other. He is a calm person, very honest, we respect each other a lot.

Together they have made 327 appearances with Tottenham. No goalkeeper knows Kane better than Lloris and no striker knows Lloris better than Kane. Knowledge that both shared with their respective national teams.

The shared club feeling and personal friendship are temporarily put aside at 8pm on Saturday.

— He is an opponent now, we represent our countries and our focus is on that. All the players will do everything they can to ensure that their team advances,” said Lloris.

Stronger England

His pithy summary of what’s to come – and read the English with a French accent:

— It’s going to be a big battle.

Hugo Lloris.

With his everyday life in England and the Premier League, Lloris has noted that the England national team is steadily growing in strength under the leadership of national team captain Gareth Southgate.

— They were in the semi-finals of the WC in Russia and a finalist in the EC. It is a developing team that has matured to fight for titles.

— They are here to win, says Lloris.