Harry Kane says now is the time for this England generation to ‘get over the line’ and banish the heartbreak of Wembley once and for all.
The Three Lions skipper admitted this European Championship campaign had been fuelled by the pain of losing on penalties to Italy on home soil at Euro 2020.
Despite some low-key performances earlier in the tournament, Kane will lead his side out in the final against Spain in Berlin’s Olympiastadion on Sunday night.
Ready to give it absolutely everything 🦁🦁🦁 pic.twitter.com/B0zVl8hwwA
— Harry Kane (@HKane) July 13, 2024
Speaking at a media conference in the stadium on the eve of the showpiece, Kane claimed: “I think it shows unbelievable consistency to reach another Euros final.
“A lot of us after (Wembley) were obviously heartbroken – as always a long journey back to getting where we are now. Full credit to the boys for the resilience they have shown.
“We are extremely happy to be in this situation and desperate to go one step further than we did last time.”
The 30-year-old will win his 98th cap and will be seeking to add to his 66 international goals to help England to glory, but also to land himself the Golden Boot, the race for which he is currently leading along with Spain’s Dani Olmo with three goals at the tournament.
“It would mean everything to win the euros. It would be the most incredible feeling as a professional footballer. Also for the fans to have this moment in history would be something very special.
“It was a tough finish last time, so there’s extra hunger and fire in the belly to make sure this one goes our way, but we also know it’s going to be an extremely tough night.”
Harry Kane has said he would swap all of his personal accolades for England to win the European Championship 🏆 pic.twitter.com/4VgZgVDQQK
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) July 13, 2024
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Time to get over the line
Kane admitted it was ‘tough to wipe out the memory’ of Wembley but said he tries to use disappointment and tough times to grow, adding: “That moment was difficult but it was three years ago. A lot has happened in three years.
“I am excited to be back on that stage. It’s been a hard journey to get back there. Now it’s about go out and execute our plan and get over the line.
“We have done fantastic in a lot of tournaments but now it’s time to get over the line and we have that opportunity tomorrow.”
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‘We will give it everything’
Kane admitted he tries not to think about how life might change is he lifted the trophy, but added: “I know what it would mean to me and our country. You use that as motivation.
“I am excited for the opportunity to make a lot of people, including myself, very happy. We are going to give it everything we have got.
“We were all England fans growing up. We know we have had some great moments in tournaments but couldn’t quite get there. With a fan’s head on I know it would be incredible if we achieve what we want to tomorrow.”
England have been written-off at various stages in their six games at Euro 2024 but Kane said coming through against adversity has only strengthened their bond.
“The belief has grown as we have gone through the tournament,” he said. “What we have been through with the late goals (against Slovakia and Netherlands), penalties (against Switzerland) – it builds resilience and belief.”
“For sure, yeah!” 🏆
Harry Kane says he would swap all of his top goalscorer trophies to win the Euros tomorrow 🤩 pic.twitter.com/b5grpvK9mW
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) July 13, 2024
‘I’d swap everything for a win’
For many years Kane has been notorious as being perhaps the best player never to have won a team trophy, despite having World Cup and Premier League Golden Boots galore – a run he could end on Sunday night, just two weeks shy of his 31st birthday.
“It’s no secret,’ he said. “Every year that goes by you are more determined and motivated to change that.
“I’m extremely proud to be English so, no question, I’d swap 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 have had a fantastic tournament, they have been the best team consistency wise and earned that right (to be favourites). But it’s football, in one game anything can happen. We back ourselves. We expect a tough game, it’s a European final.
“To do what Yamal’s doing on this stage is a great achievement. He’s playing with freedom and enjoying the occasion. He’s a definite threat and one of their main players.”
