Didier Drogba tips ‘true leader’ Harry Kane to come back stronger from World Cup heartbreak after England penalty miss
CHELSEA legend Didier Drogba has offered a message of support for Harry Kane following his penalty miss against France, insisting he will be back stronger.
The England skipper, 29, brilliantly dispatched the Three Lions’ first spot kick against the defending champions on Saturday night.
But after Olivier Giroud then put France 2-1 up, Gareth Southgate‘s men were handed another penalty in the 84th minute.
Kane stepped up to face his Tottenham team-mate Hugo Lloris for a second time, only to fire over the crossbar from 12 yards.
Didier Deschamps men held on to win the match and progress through to the semi-finals.
But Drogba believes the experience will only strengthen Kane for the future.
Speaking on Twitter, he said: “It will hurt, but you are a true captain and leader.
“Really like the way you played during this World Cup, an example for strikers to watch: score, assist, hold and lead!!
“It will take time to get over it but this will make you stronger!!!”
Drogba was reacting to Kane’s tweet on Sunday in which he admirably took the blame for England’s defeat.
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He said: “Absolutely gutted. We’ve given it everything and it’s come down to a small detail which I take responsibility for.
“There’s no hiding from it, it hurts and it’ll take some time to get over it but that’s part of sport.
“Now it’s about using the experience to be mentally and physically stronger for the next challenge.
“Thanks for all the support throughout the tournament – it means a lot. .”
Drogba is familiar with penalty disappointment having missed one for Ivory Coast against Zambia in the final of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.
However, the ex-Chelsea striker did then go on to score in the penalty shootout which they won.