England captain Harry Kane is confident he can lead his side to international glory in the coming years, subsequently putting to an end their wretched run of 54 years without success.
The disruption to the football calendar caused by the coronavirus pandemic has seen the 2020 European Championships pushed back to 2021, meaning there’ll be two major international tournaments in the space of 18 months, as the Qatar World Cup kicks off in November 2022
Kane was quick to stress that he doesn’t believe the next two international tournaments will be his last for the Three Lions, though the chance to finally notch some major silverware hasn’t been lost on him.
“I am 27 and there are two massive tournaments coming up in two years and it is a real opportunity for me and a team to win something with England,” Kane said in Friday's press conference as quoted by the Daily Mirror.
“In my head, I have many more years to come but these next two are really important. I have to perform and, in the last couple of years, I have been hindered by injury but I can get to the numbers I know I can with goals and assists.”
Ready for our first game of the year ?#threelions pic.twitter.com/i5Ql6aJC0Y
— England (@England) September 5, 2020
Gareth Southgate’s men are currently preparing to kick off their UEFA Nations League campaign with fixtures against Iceland and Denmark; the first time the squad have been together since November 2019.
One notable absentee from the squad since they last got together is Manchester United defender Harry Maguire – following his court case in Greece - and Kane was quick to offer his full support to his international teammate.
“The last few weeks has been an experience for him but I guess it is something which will make him stronger,” he added. “We back ‘H’ all the way and we look forward to seeing him in the October camp.”
While Maguire’s omission was of course a hot topic for conversation ahead of the gathering, the UEFA Nations League clashes have allowed Southgate the opportunity to introduce some fresh faces to the England squad.
“He definitely looks like a top finisher.”@HKane ?? @masongreenwood pic.twitter.com/wLTpAeiKVW
— England (@England) September 4, 2020
Man Utd’s Mason Greenwood has been rewarded with a callup following his fine Premier League form last season, and Kane has high hopes for the 18-year-old wonderkid.
“He’s got them all (finishes),” he continued. “Left foot, right foot, inside of the foot, powerful shots. I think that shows a real complete goalscorer."
Source : 90min