Semi run just the start, says Kane
PROUD: WE’VE COME A LONG WAY FROM TWO YEARS AGO
Harry Kane says England restored pride during their run to the World Cup semifinals and can use the tournament as a springboard for sustained success for a talented young generation.
Playing in their first World Cup semifinal for 28 years, England blew their chance to reach their first final since 1966, surrendering a 1-0 half-time lead to lose 2-1 to Croatia after extra-time in Moscow on Wednesday.
The tournament’s top goalscorer with six goals, Kane himself missed a huge chance to give England a 2-0 lead in the first half.
But he believes even brighter days lie ahead for the third-youngest squad on show in Russia.
“It hurts now but I know when we look back there are a lot of positives, a lot of experience we can take. That’s the aim, in two years’ time in the Euros to go again and win big tournaments,” said the Tottenham Hotspur striker.
“We’ve shown we can do well in these tournaments and the aim is not to wait another 20-odd years to get to another big semifinal.
“It’s massive that we had a good tournament and restored pride in the nation. The fans are excited to watch us play and we have to keep progressing,” added Kane.
“We should be proud and hold our heads up high because we’ve come a long way from two years ago. Even out there the fans were singing after a defeat, it’s a proud feeling.”
Manager Gareth Southgate has taken much of the credit for moulding his young side, not only with a commitment to play attractive and attacking football on the field, but a fresh open attitude with fans and media off it.
“This team is very special,” said Kieran Trippier, who had got England off to a flying start in the semifinal with a stunning fifth-minute free-kick to open the scoring.
“It all comes from the manager. I can’t speak highly enough of him. He sets the tone, he brought this team together. Everybody knows how close our team is and that all comes from him.”
Trippier was one of many England players with limited international experience before the tournament who went on to shine in Russia.
And he expects a “great future” for England, with most of the squad still young enough to be around for the 2022 World Cup.
“There is a great future going forward, trust me, with this team,” added Trippier.
“In the future for sure with this manager, with these players, the team is only going to progress.
“We’ve got a great team spirit, great chemistry, a very young team. We can succeed and do the country proud.” –