Captain Harry Kane says the time for talking is over for England at Euro 2024, it’s time for action.
The Bayern Munich frontman returns to Gelsenkirchen on Sunday for the last-16 clash with Slovakia, seeking to add to his solitary goal in the competition thus far.
Kane, who turns 31 next month, has won 94 caps and scored 64 goals, but has come under intense criticism from pundits and fans for his displays so far at Euro 2024.
"99% of fans are behind manager, second half against Slovenia was one of best atmospheres I've been involved in" 🤝
Harry Kane speaks about the fans' support ahead of tomorrow's game 🏴 pic.twitter.com/jWgy9yqivE
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) June 29, 2024
He told a pre-match media conference he feels like he is getting better all the time, adding: “It is kind of the process of the tournament.
“Naturally you get physically stronger. I feel like, not just to me, a lot of players come into peak sharpness in the knockout stage.
“Being the striker in the team I want to score goals. If it’s not me and we get through, I’m not going to complain.”
England have reached the World Cup semi-finals and Euro 2020 Final under Gareth Southgate and Kane claimed: “We are a very strong group. It’s not just players but the staff as well. We know it is going to be a very tough journey between now and end if want to go all the way.
“This is knockout football now. These tournaments come round quickly and they go quickly. We are going to need a big performance. Less talking now, it’s time to show what we can do.”
Slovakia beat Belgium 1-0 on their way to finishing third in Group E, and Kane warned: “They have some great players. They like to press high and make it difficult for the opponent. It’s going to be a tough game.
“We are expecting a physical team with a lot of quality. We always feel like we are capable of getting the result we want, but know we have to be at the top of our game to get that.”
England only scored twice in their three group games and Kane admitted: “We’re looking to find that little bit of spark. It’s not easy to break these teams down. We want to try and score and have a bit more ruthlessness in the final third.
“Every team has their own way of playing. Some have pressed us and some haven’t. We know the threats Slovakia pose and I’m sure they’ll go all in to win.
“It’s knockout football and the pressure is on even more.”
