In a press conference at England’s training camp in Blankenhain, captain Harry Kane discussed the team’s performance and outlook ahead of their final group stage match against Slovenia. With qualification to the knockout stage within reach, the Bayern Munich forward emphasised the importance of momentum and improvement.
“Momentum is the right word. Before the tournament, if you said we’d be in a position to qualify after two games, we’d have taken it,” Kane said. Despite securing four points from their first two matches, he acknowledged that the team’s performances have not met their own expectations.
“We can be honest and say we have not played the way we wanted to up to now.”
Kane stressed the significance of Tuesday’s match for the team’s morale and future prospects: “Tuesday is important for the feeling of the group, for an all-round better feeling coming off the pitch and taking that into the rest of the tournament. We want to finish top.”
“It’s not just to avoid [certain teams], but we want momentum in the knockout stages. We expect to finish top, but if we don’t, it’s not a panic. We want to put a marker down on Tuesday and use that for the rest of the tournament.”
Reflecting on his own form and fitness, Kane appeared confident and prepared. “My preparation [for the tournament] was pretty good. The first game I felt as fit as I have all season. Going into this knockout phase, I want to feel 100 per cent, and I feel as if I’m there,” he explained.
Addressing his substitution in the previous match against Denmark, Kane clarified that it was a tactical decision by the manager: “I came off last game but that was down to the manager wanting to freshen things up.”
“I physically feel fresh and fit. I know sometimes when I’ve had bad games, there’s always someone looking for a reason why. It’s a heightened environment in a tournament and there’s been more chatter, but I feel fit and ready and I’ll play for as long as the manager wants me to.”
Kane also discussed the tactical aspects of his role, acknowledging the need for better fluidity and ball control. “Some games I will stay high, sometimes I’ll drop in. As a team we’re trying to find some fluidity, and we haven’t quite clicked right. But we’re all at a high level, that will come. Most importantly, with the ball we need to be better, keep the ball, play higher, and get in between the lines.”
“Calm is important,” expressed the 30-year-old, emphasising the importance of staying composed under pressure. “Most of us have been here and done it – we’ve given England fans some fantastic memories. After the tournament you can judge us. During the tournament, it’s down to us to get it right, and find how to do it right.”
Finally, Kane addressed the role of ex-players and pundits in shaping public perception. He urged them to remember their own experiences and the impact of their words on current players.
“Ex-players and pundits need to know it’s very hard not to listen to it [criticism], they have a responsibility – people do care about what they say. We all want to win, they want us to win, and so building the lads up with confidence would be a much better way of going about it.”
As England prepare for their crucial match against Slovenia, Kane’s words reflect a blend of determination and realism. The team aims to secure a top finish in their group and carry positive momentum into the knockout stages, all while striving to improve their performances on the pitch.
Enjoy detailed coverage of EURO2024 right here on FromTheSpot.
Leave a Reply