PRINCE HARRY
World Cup captain Kane vows to lift nation just like Royal Wedding
HARRY KANE was named as England’s World Cup captain yesterday – and vowed to unite the country like Prince Harry after his patriotism was stirred by the Royal Wedding on Saturday.
England manager Gareth Southgate confirmed that Tottenham striker Kane will lead England to the World Cup this summer after telling the rest of the squad in a meeting at St George’s Park on Monday night.
It emerged Kane knew of his appointment weeks ago but took his secret away with him on holiday with his family when the club season ended.
During his getaway, as well as some much needed R&R, Kane found a renewed sense of faith in his country.
“We watched the Royal Wedding, my fiancee Kate and I,” said Kane. “What a special day. What a thing to be a part of. It’s definitely increased my sense of patriotism – although I’m very proud anyway.”
Spotting David Beckham among the 600-strong congregation had
also added a personal touch.
“I was in the Bahamas and it was on at about 6.30am over there,” said Kane. “But to see the Royal Family and the wedding, and a former England captain there!
“David was a big hero of mine growing up. The way the whole nation comes together at one time, supports them. That’s amazing.”
Furthermore, buoyed by that spirit, Kane believes the Three Lions should not be frightened to head to Russia roaring their intention to win the trophy itself. “We’re a bit afraid to say we want to win stuff because we’re afraid of the fans’ or media’s reaction,” he said. “We go into our shells.
“But I want us not to be afraid to say we want to win it. We have to be brave. Whether we go out at the group stage or the semi-final, it’s the same – you don’t win the World Cup. We discussed that as players and say we shouldn’t have any fear. So we want to win it: we’ll go there and do our best to achieve it.”
It is the thirdyoungest squad England have sent to a World Cup finals but Kane says that should be no excuse for them failing to perform in Russia.
“We’re not going to be favourites to win it,” he admitted. “We know that. But look at this season: no one thought Liverpool would get to the Champions League final.
“It’s not really an excuse being young. It could be a good thing. I believe we can win it. That’s what we’ve got to try and do. Anything else is not good enough, really.”
If they could win that final in Moscow on July 15, it would make Kane only the second Englishman behind Bobby Moore to lift international football’s most prestigious trophy.
“Of course you think about it,” said Kane. “It’s impossible not to, or to dream about it.
“It’s the World Cup, the biggest competition in the world. It’s a dream to be playing in it. It’ll be hard, a tough job, but we’re excited to be there and want to get out there.”