Manchester United icon Nani performs a surprising reversal on his earlier comments comparing Harry Kane and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The former Portugal international had previously chosen his ex-Manchester United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo when picking his lineup last year.
Nani told talkSPORT that only Marc Guehi and Jude Bellingham made it into his combined XI from both nations.
But the Euro 2016 winner has since adjusted his view, now finding space for England captain Harry Kane because of the striker’s exceptional form.
Kane now partners Ronaldo in Nani’s combined England–Portugal XI
The former Tottenham forward netted his third hat-trick of the season on Saturday as Bayern Munich thrashed VfB Stuttgart 5–0. Kane’s performances have convinced Nani to pair the 32-year-old with Ronaldo, who boasts an astonishing 954 career goals.
“I think Kane would be fantastic playing behind him,” Nani told talkSPORT.com on behalf of casino.co.uk. “He can still run, win the ball in key areas and link different phases of play.”
Nani offers advice on his EFL-star cousin
In his original combined XI, Nani left out Declan Rice in favour of João Palhinha and Vitinha, while Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden were omitted for Rafael Leão and Bernardo Silva.
Nani also expressed optimism about his cousin’s future after Sidnei Tavares joined Blackburn Rovers. Tavares, who moved from Moreirense last summer, began his career in England at Leicester City.
“He’s a very good player and is enjoying his moment,” Nani said. “I wish him all the best and hope he performs at his highest level. His future can be bright if he maintains the right mentality, behaves well and stays grounded.”
