THE FLAIR CARE BUNCH
SAYS HARRY KANE We’ve got class but we’ve also got as much desire to win as the Scots have
We know how much it means to everyone – it means a lot to us as well HARRY KANE
ENGLAND might not win. They might not play well. But don’t dare tell Harry Kane they don’t care.
The Tottenham striker bristles with indignation at the notion tomorrow’s showdown means more to Scotland.
That the Auld Enemy clash is just a hindrance to Kane’s squad with the cross-border rivalry diluted due to the quality gap between the nations.
Gareth Southgate’s side have virtually qualified for next year’s World Cup already after four wins from five, including last November’s 3-0 victory over Gordon Strachan’s men. The Three Lions are on the beach.
Scotland’s hearts will pump with pride and passion whereas it’s just another 90 minutes for the English to trawl through en route to their summer holidays.
However, Kane treats those suggestions with the type of disdain he normally reserves for central defenders.
The 23-year-old is as fired up for Hampden as the Scots and said: “I still think it means something.
“It’s like maybe playing for your club in derbies – it’s the same sort of feeling.
“We definitely know how much it means to everyone and it means a lot to us as well.
“We were all England fans growing up and we all know what it meant. Just because we play for the team it doesn’t mean that has changed. It is important we go out there with that mindset.
“We know it is going to be a passionate game and hope we’re going to send our fans home happy.
“It is going to be a tough game. Everyone knows the atmosphere is going to be fantastic.
“Scotland will be trying to reduce the gap in the group but we’re a confident team. Away from home it is going to be difficult but we just have to play our style and win the game.
“Hopefully it will be similar to the one at Wembley, that we can play in the same sort of manner and win the game comfortably. Away from home it is always tougher, everyone knows that. But there is no reason we can’t do the same, play in a good and aggressive style, try to win and take one step closer to the World Cup.”
The issue of care clearly rankles with Southgate’s men. Their latest tournament failure at Euro 2016 saw them once again face accusations of not giving a jot about England while savouring a superstar club lifestyle. Kane insists it’s not true although he realises the squad need to show it.
He said: “Football is such a big part of England and the fans. We feel like maybe we’ve lost our identity over the years.
“It’s about finding that. We have a lot of fantastic players, a lot of players with great ability and plenty of flair.
“If we can find our identity as a team it will help the fans to connect with us and going into tournaments that would be fantastic.”
Southgate will be hanging his hat on Kane. For the second successive season he picked up the Premier League’s Golden Boot after banging in 29 goals.
The striker hasn’t had the same success for England – his last goal came against Turkey more than a year ago – albeit injury has curtailed his chances.
The Spurs star is eager to make up for lost time in Glasgow. He wants to be the big gun and even fancies the captain’s armband.
Watching Cristiano Ronaldo take centre stage with a double for Real Madrid in last weekend’s Champions League Final just added to his motivation.
To be the best you need to be the best when it counts. That means big shows in big games.
Hampden is tailor-made for Kane who said: “Any player growing up dreams of being England captain one day and I am no different.
“We have a lot of leaders in this team and that is important. You always get judged on the big games and the big moments.
“You see the world’s best do it every time they seem to get those occasions.
“First and foremost we have to get there as a team. But as a player you want to prove to the world you’re as good as anyone else. I’m no different.
“I want to prove to everyone here and everyone across the world I’m one of the best strikers out there. It’s a shame I’ve been injured for England basically since the Euros.
“But I’ve been itching to get back out and play.
“This is my chance and hopefully I can stay injury-free then see what happens.
“Ronaldo’s a great role model and a fantastic player. You see him do that game in, game out, in the finals, in the semi-finals. That’s what I aspire to be.
“Gareth Bale has won three Champions Leagues in the last four years and has done great for Wales as well.
“I want to be classed in that bracket but know I’m not there yet. Part of it is proving it on the international stage.
“At club level I’ve had a good few seasons. It’s now about taking that next step – international football in the big games, in the big moments.
“I’m working harder than ever to achieve that. I’m 23. Hopefully I have a few more years left and can learn, get better and really push forward.
“I’m never someone who will rest on what I’ve achieved. I just have to keep doing what I’m doing and keep working hard.
“I’m at a great club and we have a great team with England that I’m really excited about playing for.
“It’s just about doing what I’m doing, keep working hard and use the bad and the good moments as experience. You have to win big tournaments for club and country.”