Harry Kane believes England can silence the critics but cautions that winning the Euros will be more challenging than many anticipate.
England captain Harry Kane has described his team’s shock defeat to Iceland as a “wake-up call” ahead of Euro 2024. Kane believes that the loss serves as a reminder that winning the trophy will not be as easy as people think. England, managed by Gareth Southgate, are considered one of the favorites to lift the trophy in Germany.
The European Championship kicks off on Friday with the hosts, Germany, facing Scotland in Munich. England’s campaign begins on Sunday against Serbia. However, they head into the tournament on a negative note after suffering a 1-0 loss to Iceland in their send-off friendly at Wembley.
Three years ago, England finished as runners-up at the Euros, losing to Italy in a penalty shootout in the final. Despite the disappointing result against Iceland, Kane is eager to focus on the positives and learn from the experience. He acknowledges that there is a lot of work to be done, particularly in terms of their defensive performance.
Kane emphasizes the need for hunger in duels, winning second balls, and being more clinical in front of goal. He believes that England must sustain pressure and suffocate their opponents to be successful in the tournament. Kane urges fans to judge the team based on their tournament form and expresses optimism about their chances.
The England captain acknowledges the difficulty of winning tournaments and highlights the importance of preparation and a bit of luck. He believes that the team is on the right path and is hungry to go one step further after their close call in the last Euros. Kane is excited for another major tournament and is determined to put past disappointments behind him.
England’s Group C campaign includes matches against Serbia, Denmark, and Slovenia. Since the last Euros, England has also experienced heartbreak at the 2022 World Cup, where they were eliminated in the quarter-finals by France. Kane reflects on that moment as a low point but is now focused on the upcoming tournament.
Overall, Kane’s comments reflect a sense of determination and a recognition of the challenges that lie ahead for England. The team is eager to prove themselves and bring home a major trophy.