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GARETH SOUTHGATE has challenged Harry Kane to fulfil his dream of being the world’s greatest striker by proving it on the biggest stage of all.
All eyes will be on the Kremlin today for the draw for next summer’s World Cup in Russia, with England in Pot Two.
The nation’s hopes rest squarely on the shoulders of Tottenham striker Kane, who has scored seven in his last six games for England.
And England boss Southgate has challenged him to take the tournament by storm.
“I’m certain that is Harry’s ambition, and there’s no question if that is his ambition, then this is
the stage to go and show it,” said Southgate. “As a player you are judged a lot by what happens with your club but in the end the world stars are ultimately judged by what they do with their country and in major tournaments. “This is the stage for all of our guys to show exactly the level they are capable of.” Southgate says he will judge success by the reaction of fans back home. “If we come back and the country are proud, that will mean we have played well and we will have won some games because for sure if we haven’t, they won’t be proud of us,” he said. Former Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson claimed England should not be worried whoever they draw today.
England will hope to avoid world champions Germany and Brazil but Hodgson said: “They do not need to fear any of those scenarios or ideal groups.
“I am confident that no matter what group England find themselves in, it really won’t matter.
“What will matter is that the players Southgate picks will be good enough to win. I don’t think England will fear anyone.”
Meanwhile, Southgate admitted he felt sorry for Jose Mourinho but refused to apologise for Phil Jones getting injured on international duty.
“I have massive empathy with Jose,” said Southgate. “Equally I have every trust in our medical team that they make the right calls. This is an unfortunate situation.”