Harry Kane says now is the time for this generation of England to ‘cross the line’ and banish Wembley misery once and for all.
The Three Lions captain admitted that this European Championship campaign was inspired by the pain of losing on penalties to Italy in their home match at Euro 2020.
Despite his poor performances earlier in the tournament, Kane will lead his side to the final against Spain at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on Sunday night.
It is ready to give you absolutely everything 🦁🦁🦁 pic.twitter.com/B0zVl8hwwA
– Harry Kane (@HKane) July 13, 2024
Speaking at a press conference at the stadium on the eve of the showdown, Kane said: “I think it shows an incredible consistency to reach one of the Euro finals.
“Many of us at the back (of Wembley) were obviously devastated – as always it’s a long way to get back to where we are now. Thanks to the boys for their favorite tenacity.
“We are very happy to be in this position and we want to go one step further than what we did last time.”
The 30-year-old is going for his 98th winth and he will be looking to add to his 66 caps to help England to glory, but also to claim the Golden Boot, a race he currently leads with Spain’s Dani Olmo with three goals in the competition.
“It would mean everything to win the Euros. It would be the most unbelievable feeling as a professional footballer. Another thing for fans to experience this moment in history would be something very special.
“It was a tough game last night, so there’s a little more hunger and fire in the belly to make sure this one goes our way, but we also know it’s going to be a tough night.”
Harry Kane said he will exchange his medals so that England can win the European Championship 🏆 pic.twitter.com/4VgZgVDQQK
– Football on TNT Sports (@footballantnt) July 13, 2024
Time to cross the line
Kane admitted it was ‘hard to erase the memory’ of Wembley but said he was trying to use the disappointment and the tough times to grow, adding: “That time was tough but it was three years ago. A lot has happened in three years.
“I’m happy to be back on that stage. It was a difficult journey to get back there. Now it’s time to go out and do our plan and get over the line.
“We’ve done amazing in many competitions but now it’s time to get over the line and we have that chance tomorrow.”
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‘We’ll give you everything’
Kane admitted he tries not to think about how life would change if he lifted the trophy, but added: “I know what it will mean to me and to our country. He uses that as motivation.
“I enjoyed the opportunity to make many people happy, including myself. We will give you everything we have.
“We were all England fans growing up. We know we had some good times in the championships but we just couldn’t get there. Speaking of the fans, I know it would be amazing if we can get what we want tomorrow.”
England have been knocked out at various stages in their six matches at Euro 2024 but Kane said facing adversity has strengthened their bond.
“The belief has grown as we have gone through this competition,” he said. “What we’ve been through with recent goals (against Slovakia and the Netherlands), penalties (against Switzerland) – it builds resilience and belief.”
“Certainly, yes!” 🏆
Harry Kane says he will change all his top goalscorer trophies to win the Euros tomorrow 🤩 pic.twitter.com/b5grpvK9mW
– Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) July 13, 2024
‘I would change everything to win’
For years Kane has been notorious for being the best player never to win a club title, despite owning a World Cup and Premier League Golden Boots – a feat he could complete on Sunday night, just two weeks before his 31-game haul.St birthday.
“It’s not a secret,” he said. “Every year you are determined and determined to change that.
“I’m very proud to be English, so, no question, I can change everything I’ve done in my career for a special night and a win tomorrow.”
He knows it won’t be easy, and is wary of the threat posed by Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal, who turned 17 on Saturday.
“Spain had a very good tournament, they were a very good and smart team and they earned that right (to be favourites). But it’s football, in one game anything can happen. We support ourselves. We expect a tough game, a European final.
“Doing what Yamal did on this stage is a great achievement. He plays freely and enjoys the event. He is dangerous and one of their key players.”
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