Harry Kane responds to unlikely Franz Beckenbauer comparisons ahead of Arsenal v Bayern Munich clash in UEFA Champions League

Arsenal's almost impenetrable defence will be given its sternest UEFA Champions League test yet on Wednesday night when Harry Kane and Bayern Munich come to town. The England striker has had a remarkable 2025/26 season so far, and he spoke to TNT Sports about unexpected comparisons with Franz Beckenbauer, as well as his thoughts on facing the Premier League leaders.

Harry Kane has revealed how much he enjoys his all-action role for Bayern Munich, amid comparisons with legendary defender Franz Beckenbauer.

Kane has been prolific this season, netting 24 goals in all competitions for a Bayern side thriving under Vincent Kompany.

But the England captain has still found time to drop deep and act as a deeper-lying general on occasion, leading to suggestions that he is a mix of iconic former Bayern striker Gerd Muller and ex-defender Beckenbauer.

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Asked about the comparisons by TNT Sports, Kane said: "It's down to the system that we play - I think it allows me to express myself in those type of ways, both with the ball in terms of dropping deep and trying to be the overload and using my passing range.

"And also my ability to get out of tight areas to help the team move up the pitch and arrive a bit later in the box where I still get chances.

"And defensively, in the man-to-man way we play, sometimes it means I end up playing as a deep No. 6 or a centre-back. I've always enjoyed defending, even from a young age. Even though I'm a goal scorer, I always enjoy putting a tackle in or blocking shots.

"There's been moments like that this season, especially in maybe bigger games where there's been a bit more noise around it, like the tackle against Dortmund [on the edge of his own box].

"I enjoy being involved in all parts of the game, and I think this season you've seen that enjoyment come out on the pitch."

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Video credit: TNT Sports

Kane is now 32, but he says he is playing at the highest level of his career, having settled in Bavaria.

"I'd say so, in terms of how I'm playing and how I'm affecting games, not just with goals, and also physically, I feel in as good shape as I ever have done," he said.

"You combine all that with the experience of being here for a few years and working with the coach for a couple of years, you're just seeing a really complete version of myself right now.

"Going into every game, I feel like I'm going to get chances and that confidence is there, and I've been able to take quite a few this season, which has been nice."

Looking ahead to Wednesday night's highly anticipated UEFA Champions League clash against Arsenal - live on TNT Sports and discovery+ - Kane suggested the trip to the Emirates will be his side's biggest challenge yet.

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"It will be the toughest game, I think," he added. "Obviously, PSG was a really tough game but us and PSG play in a similar way, and it became almost a man-to-man battle in the first half. It was one of the best halves we've played all season.

"[Arsenal] will be a little bit different. I think Arsenal are really good at some of the stuff that we're good at in terms of the habits, second balls, not taking as much risk, good on set-plays, all things that make you a top team.

"It'll be a difficult night and probably our hardest game yet, and it'll be interesting to test ourselves."

Both Arsenal and Bayern have a 100% record in the Champions League league phase after four matches, with the Gunners yet to concede a goal.

When is Arsenal v Bayern Munich?

Arsenal v Bayern Munich will take place on Wednesday, November 26 at Emirates Stadium.

Kick-off is at 20:00 UK time, with live coverage on TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate and discovery+ starting from 19:00.

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Stream the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more on TNT Sports and discovery+

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