Joe Rodon insists he will have to be at his best tonight to shackle club-mate Harry Kane despite criticism of the striker’s form.
Spurs star Kane has 13 goals for Tottenham this term but is yet to score in Qatar for his country going into this evening’s crunch final Group B game. It has seen Gareth Southgate’s captain widely panned in the wake of England’s 0-0 stalemate with USA.
The hitman, who smashed six goals at Russia 2018 in England’s run to the last four, looks a long shot to now retain the golden boot. Wales centre-back Rodon, who joined Rennes on loan this term, is preparing to mark Kane for the first time in a competitive game.
And the defender is not about to take Kane lightly after training with him for two seasons since joining Tottenham from Swansea in October 2020 for £11million.
Rodon, 25, who has 32 caps, said: “I have trained and spent a couple of seasons with him and we all know how good he is.
“I am sure Harry will be ready to go as everyone will be. He is a top player, one of the best in the world, who has done it for many years.
"He has scored many goals and is a world-class striker. He is a brilliant finisher, with both feet as well.
“Training with these players for the last couple of seasons has improved me as a player a lot as well. But a competitive game is going to be another brilliant challenge and one I am very excited about.”
Wales have toiled in their first two games drawing 1-1 with USA and then losing 2-0 to Iran in a dismal display. But Rodon, operating in the middle of a three-man defence, has been one of Wales’ few solid performers.
He reckons his decision to move to Ligue 1, where Rennes are third, has helped him sharpen up for Doha. Rodon, who has made 14 appearances for the French club, added: “The League is very competitive and it has put me in brilliant condition to be here with the national team.
"The club is in Europe as well and we play against different teams from different countries and it is only going to make you better as a player.
“I haven’t played so much over the last two seasons. But playing 15 games so far has put me in a far better place physically and mentally.
“I am happy and it is easy when you are playing all the time. I have enjoyed it a lot so far and hopefully it is going to be a successful season.
“I live out of the city and it is nice and quiet - compared to London anyway. It nice and relaxing and a breath of fresh air
“Rennes have been first class with me. A lot of them understand and speak English which has helped me settle in quicker. We are doing really well and hopefully that continues when we return.”
