Harry Kane's desire to prove that people are good is well documented throughout his career.
Initially – and somewhat in retrospect – billed as a 'one-season wonder' after breaking out at Tottenham Hotspur, the England captain has gone on to become one of the greatest goalscorers of his generation and has been a key player in the most successful Three. A pack of lions in modern times.
However, criticism eludes a number of players these days and Kane is no exception. Despite his top three goals at Euro 2024, his performances for England's struggling England side have been questioned and Ollie Watkins' memorable winner against the Netherlands in the semi-final has seen some fans calling for a change in Sunday's final against Spain. .
So, should manager Gareth Southgate stick with the greatest men's athlete in the country's history or switch gears in a bid to win England a second piece of international silverware?
Whenever England do poorly in international competitions, fans and the media are quick to make scapegoats. That was in the past and in Euro 2024, too.
The 30-year-old is not the only Three Lions star to have his debut role questioned. Debate over Trent Alexander-Arnold's role earlier in the tournament saw Liverpool's star defense questioned, while Phil Foden looked like a square peg in a round hole in the outfield.
Criticism of Kane has included a lack of good positioning and expectations on crosses, while his fitness has also been questioned. His penchant for depth hasn't gone down well with everyone, with many fans wishing the former Spurs player would stay in the final third and finish off chances.
But like it or not, the England captain continues to score when it matters; his efforts at Euro 2024 so far prove that.
The Three Lions could have gone down to a much worse result in their 1-1 draw with Denmark had Kane not scored an early opener, while the winner against Slovakia sealed the country's place in the quarter-finals after Jude Bellingham broke the internet with his last-gasp free-kick .
His knowledge of razor sharp competition was also clear to see against the Netherlands. Kane bought a penalty with an appeal that many thought would be quickly cleared by the video assistant referee and was composed enough to keep the ball into the bottom corner to equalize after a surprise Xavi Simons. That was his 22nd successful penalty from 26 attempts, showing the ice that runs through his veins when it matters.
He found fault in the World Cup quarter-final against France less than two years ago, but this Sunday gives Kane the chance to do what he loves best; prove the doubters wrong.
With 66 goals at the highest international level, Kane is clearly England's top goalscorer but it is still debatable that he still needs a little more time to become truly popular in his country.
With such a track record behind him, Kane should never be written off. He may not be firing on all cylinders right now, but tournament ball is a different beast. After a slow start to Euro 2020, his goals in the knockout stage eventually led England to the final and it was a similar story this time around.
His appetite, the selfishness required as a striker and an exceptional record mean he is a guaranteed starter against Spain. With a chance to write a new story for himself and dismiss those who are still talking, Kane will be fired and it is simply too much of a risk to start someone with impeccable finishing skills when the stakes are so high and the opposition so good.
That's not to say that backup options Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney don't have their strengths.
Watkins' winning goal against the Dutch was perfect, harassing opposition defenders and appearing too quick for Stefan de Vrij to score one of England's best strikes at the Euros.
Toney has also shown his quality in disruptive back lines when called upon and is one of a number of clinical penalty takers Southgate can turn to if the final goes 120 minutes without a decisive goal.
Their current roles are perfect. Watkins will add to his pressure if he comes in with England chasing a goal, while Toney will be an uncomfortable presence in the box for the Spanish troops to deal with if they get the nod at any time.
The two Premier League strikers are big players and will undoubtedly get more minutes playing for other countries, but both have taken to the team role very quickly. They provide Southgate with real points of difference when the manager needs them.
Either Watkins or Toney could end up being England's hero on Sunday, but if the chance to win the game falls to any player in the team, many fans would want Kane to be on the edge and hence his inclusion in the starting line-up. XI is very important.
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