This lot can put Russia heroes in shade
CAPTAIN KANE SETS SIGHTS ON BIG PRIZE
HARRY KANE believes England are a stronger side now than the one that reached the World Cup semifinals in 2018.
The Three Lions go into this summer’s Euros as one of the favourites to win – and Kane reckons all the hype is justified.
Gareth Southgate had led England to fourth in the official world rankings and Kane reckons there is more talent and experience in the group since that wonderful run to the last four in Russia.
Since returning from Russia with love, players such as Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, Jack Grealish, Mason Mount and Declan Rice have all emerged as high-class talents.
Asked if the Three Lions had progressed, Kane said: “I’d say so. And we’re probably in a better place. Going into that World Cup, we maybe weren’t sure where we were as a team, but we performed really well and stepped up to the occasion.
“I feel like now we’ve had a bit more experience, players in the biggest games for their clubs and obviously players who have played in that World Cup have had that experience as well.
“I feel like we are in a good place. We know there is still a lot of hard work that goes into it.
“We don’t just turn up and win the tournament.
“We haven’t won one as a country for a long, long time, so there needs to be a lot of good mentality along the whole way as it is a long, tough journey to get to the later stages of a major tournament.” Kane won the Golden Boot in Russia – and is backing himself to win another one at the Euros.
The England captain told the Official England Podcast: “As a striker, if you are scoring, you are helping the team. That’s always my aim and to win games.
“Of course, I’d love to win another Golden Boot.
“But even more importantly, I’d love to be lifting that Euros trophy.
“Whatever way we get there, whether it’s me scoring or others, it doesn’t bother me as long as we are winning games. That’s all I care about.
“That’s why we play football on the highest stage, to be involved in the biggest games and be in pressure situations.”
Southgate’s men will feel the pressure and expectation like never before as they look to land what would be our first trophy since winning the World Cup in 1966.
In Russia, the players took up darts, pool, 10-pin bowling and swimming with inflatables in a bid to stay relaxed.
Tottenham star Kane insists it will be important for the squad to do the same thing again between games – and has revealed Southgate’s stars will turn to golf, cricket and
computer games at St George’s Park in their downtime. He added: “We’ve got a cricket pitch and we might get a bit of golf in but it’s more around the hotel.
“The boys will be playing Playstation and things like that, and I’ve just started watching
Game of Thrones, believe it or not. I’ve got a nice little period to finish that off and it’ll be finished before the end of the tournament.
“During the World Cup, I was on the Playstation but I’ve got three kids now and so I struggle to find the time.”