Bayern star Harry Kane talks about a moment that has had a long-lasting effect. Ahead of his third World Cup, the attacker is looking ahead, but also makes it clear how much the bitter defeats with England have shaped him
The Bayern striker recalled losing the 2021 European Championship final against Italy, which England lost 3-2 on penalties. Kane called that game a „tough moment“ in his career and said: „I had to be extremely mentally strong to get over it.“ It is precisely because England have come so close several times in recent years that he is particularly driven for the next major tournament
This is also evident with regard to the World Cup, which Kane says he is looking forward to „hugely“. The England captain said: „The fact that we’ve been so close so many times motivates me enormously to get back there and take that one step further.“ The painful setbacks include the 2021 final and the final of the 2024 European Championship, which England lost 2-1 to Spain
In terms of personnel, the framework for the World Cup is already clear. England will start the tournament under coach Thomas Tuchel and face Croatia, Ghana and Panama in Group L. For Kane, this not only sets out the sporting path, but also the chance to break a series of narrow defeats at major tournaments
Team spirit as a beacon of hope
Kane sees an important key within the team. The cohesion that has grown over the years should become the trump card of Thomas Tuchel’s selection. In the group, as the attacker describes it, „everyone really understands everyone else, everyone is open with each other and we all know what we are fighting for“. This unity is particularly important after several finals and the associated disappointments
For the FC Bayern striker, this paints a clear picture: the memory of the lost finals remains present, but it should not paralyse England. Instead, Kane combines the setbacks with new motivation. Ahead of his third World Cup, the focus is therefore less on the past and more on trying to derive the final step that has been missing so far from precisely these experiences.