Kane impressed as England with Euro pressure
Harry Kane says England’s new generation passed their first test with flying colours after coach Gareth Southgate’s side kicked off their Euro 2020 campaign with a 1-0 win against Croatia on Sunday.
Southgate has infused England’s squad with a vibrant crop of emerging stars and Kane was relieved to see them cope with the pressure of playing in a major tournament for the first time.
While the experienced Raheem Sterling grabbed England’s secondhalf winner at Wembley on Sunday, Kalvin Phillips, Declan Rice, Phil Foden, Mason Mount and Tyrone Mings played their part in the vital victory.
Those five are all new to the unique demands of playing for England during a tournament, with the additional burden of having to live up to the expectations of the home fans at Wembley.
England captain Kane was especially impressed with Leeds midfielder Phillips, who provided the assist for Sterling’s strike as the Three Lions won their opening game at a European Championship for the first time. “He has been brilliant,” Kane told beIN Sports. “He has just come off the back of a shoulder injury as well. He has been good in training and working hard to be fit for the first game. Obviously he was selected and did a fantastic job and there were a few guys out there playing their first
game for England in a major tournament and they did their country proud.” But Kane backed Southgate and said everyone would have to play their part if England were to become European champions for the first time. “That is why he is doing his job and the fans are debating. That is part of football,” he said.
“We have got a great squad and you can understand everyone has got their own opinions on who should play. But we had a great team performance and it is important we use the whole squad throughout the tournament. It isn’t going to be the same team every week.”