The long-awaited Harry Kane statue dubbed the “stuff of nightmares,” has finally been unveiled after four years of storage. Kane was present at the grand reveal and posed with the sculpture, which sits in front of a mural dedicated to him. In addition to the statue’s unveiling, Kane shared insights into how Harwood-Bellis played a pivotal role in two of England’s goals, including his own debut goal, which was set up by a brilliant set-piece routine.
Harry Kane Statue, Called “Stuff of Nightmares” Revealed After 4 Years
A Harry Kane statue, labeled the ‘stuff of nightmares,’ has been revealed to the public after nearly five years in storage.
The sculpture, finished in 2020 for £7,200, has been placed at The Peter May Centre in Walthamstow. It depicts Kane sitting on a green bench with a football resting on his thigh.
Originally intended for placement at Chingford station, the statue’s installation was postponed after a risk assessment by TFL. The proposal to place it at Ridgeway Park, where Kane played as a child, was also rejected.
Kane attended the grand unveiling on Monday, where he posed for photos with the one-of-a-kind sculpture. It is displayed in front of a large mural dedicated to Kane, where he also signed the wall.
The statue has sparked mixed reactions, with some critics calling it the “stuff of nightmares” when images were shared earlier this year. Art critic Estelle Lovatt criticized it for lacking “aesthetic creativity” and argued that it barely resembled Kane.
“If you think about it historically, a public statue was there to immortalize, show off, and loudly boast of the achievements and accomplishments of the person. If it doesn’t really bear a resemblance to the person, it’s quite difficult to relate to it.
“I just thought the Roman emperors wouldn’t have put up with it, with this sort of standard. It’s imposing because of its size, and it’s fantastical because of its size, but it lacks any aesthetic creativity.
“When it becomes quite a laughable depiction that doesn’t empower the craftsman or the artist or indeed the master they are trying to capture, it sort of lets everybody down.”
Earlier this year, a spokesperson for Kane expressed being “really excited” about the statue, which was commissioned to celebrate his legacy as England’s all-time top scorer and a hero to the people of Walthamstow.
“Especially with Harry being England and Tottenham’s all-time top goalscorer, it is what he deserves,” said the spokesperson.
“The location of the statue is really important to us. Like Emma [Best, local councillor] said, we are having some issues at the moment but when we get it right, we will be happy to go.”
Kane Reveals Harwood-Bellis’ Role in TWO of England’s Goals
Harwood-Bellis, 22, came off the bench to score on his England debut as the Three Lions cruised to a 5-0 victory over Ireland in Lee Carsley’s final match as interim manager.
However, the Saints defender had previously played a key role in another goal netted by Jarrod Bowen.
Kane revealed that it was Harwood-Bellis’ suggestion to use a set-piece routine that England has had in their arsenal for years.
Bellingham exchanged a quick one-two with Curtis Jones on the left side of the box before passing to Bowen, who scored with his first touch.
“It wasn’t (something that we worked on in training). That was actually Taylor who said we should do something,” Kane explained.
“We’ve had that free-kick for the last, sort of, three years. We had it a lot in the Euros but we didn’t get the opportunity to use it.
“I told Jude and Jarrod, and it was one that worked out perfectly. It was nice to see Jarrod get his goal.”
Regarding Harwood-Bellis’ goal, Kane said, “It was a great ball in by Jude and a great header by him.
“He attacked it like he has dreamed since being a kid, playing in your back garden, dreaming of being at Wembley.
“He wasn’t going to let that one go. What a week for him to get his first call-up and then to come on at Wembley and score his first goal. It’s a special night that he will never forget.”
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