Luka Modric reflects on Harry Kane’s rise from Tottenham youngster to Ballon d’Or winner

Luka Modric has praised his former Tottenham team-mate Harry Kane’s work ethic and humility after the England captain celebrated a record-breaking night at Wembley.

Kane became England’s most-capped player and was also honoured for his Ballon d’Or triumph before scoring the winner in the Three Lions’ 2-1 victory over Croatia.

Modric presented a gift to Kane ahead of kick-off on behalf of Croatian football, a replica of the first football brought to Croatia from England.

The 41-year-old also knows what it means to become his country’s record appearance-maker and win the Ballon d’Or, and said he was delighted to see Kane reach another major milestone.

“It’s amazing to see where he started and where he has arrived in his career,” Modric said.

“It’s impressive and I’m really happy for him.

“He deserves it. He was always very humble, working hard, and deserved everything that is happening to him and I’m really happy for him.

“It was very emotional because I remember when I got most-capped player for my country, it’s something special, and with the Ballon d’Or, it must be very emotional for him.”

The AC Milan midfielder also highlighted Kane’s work ethic as one of the key reasons behind his rise to the top of the game.

“It’s difficult to say but what I saw from him, his work ethic was amazing,” he added when asked if he believed Kane could get to the level he has now.

“After, you need time, you need games, what he got after, to be the best in the world, it’s amazing.”