New England captain believes his side can win cup
LONDON: New England captain Harry Kane believes his side can win this summer’s World Cup.
England has reached just one World Cup semifinal since it won the trophy for the only time in its history in 1966.
But the 24yearold Kane, who was confirmed as captain for the competition yesterday, said there was no reason not to aim high.
‘‘It’s impossible not to dream about lifting the World Cup. It’s the biggest competition in the world,’’ Kane said.
‘‘I believe we can win it — anyone can. I cannot sit here and say we are not going to win it because we could do.
‘‘We are not going to be favourites to win it, we know that. But look at this season: noone thought Liverpool would get to the Champions League final.’’
Tottenham Hotspur striker Kane said he was told he would be captain by manager Gareth Southgate last month.
‘‘It is a massive day and a very proud day,’’ he said.
‘‘It is a dream come true. I found out a few weeks ago when I met Gareth Southgate. We were talking for an hour and he said he wanted me to be the captain.
‘‘I have had to keep it quiet for a while now but it is fantastic. I filled up with pride and went home and told my family.’’
Kane said being captain would not affect his job of scoring goals for his country, something he had done 12 times in 23 appearances.
‘‘Not much changes. I am someone who wants to lead by example on and off the pitch,’’ he said. ‘‘That is what I will try to do.’’
England plays Tunisia in its first match on June 18, before playing Panama and Belgium in its other group matches.
English Premier League football club West Ham United has appointed former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini as its new manager on a threeyear deal. The 64yearold Chilean left Chinese Super League outfit Hebei China Fortune on Sunday and replaces David Moyes, who left the club last week after guiding it to a 13thplaced finish in the league.
Former Villarreal, Real Madrid and Malaga boss Pellegrini returns to England two years after leaving City, which he led to the Premier League title and a League Cup triumph in 2014.
West Ham joint chairman David Sullivan said the appointment was made bearing in mind the demands of supporters for attacking football. Under Pel legrini, City scored an English record 151 goals in all competitions in his debut campaign in 201314.
‘‘Manuel brings a reputation for attacking football and getting the best out of his players," Sullivan said.
Pellegrini led City to another League Cup in 2016 before making way for current boss Pep Guardiola. — Reuters