The England captain insists he is fit to play in today’s World Cup match, and he intends to be in top shape for the knockout games, however many there may be…
England will face Senegal in the round of 16 as Harry Kane prepares to dispel any misgivings he may have about his inability to score thus far at the World Cup by recalling his performance in the previous two championships.
The skipper won the Golden Boot as the tournament’s leading scorer in Russia with six goals, but they were all scored in his first three matches. The next three matches were marked by frustration in front of the goal, and England finished fourth.
At Euro 2020, the pattern was flipped: no goals in the group stage, followed by four in the run-up to the final.
Consequently, the Tottenham striker enters tonight’s match against African champions Senegal at Al-Bayt Stadium more pleased by his performances at the Euros than at Russia 2018.
He stated, “I began the tournament [Russia 2018] with a flurry of goals, used a great deal of energy, and as the tournament progressed, I felt that my performances declined.
“Before the Euros, I was cognizant of attempting to make things go the other way. I still want a strong start, but I was also attempting to position myself physically and mentally for the knockout rounds.
After an early concern in Qatar, the 29-year-old is now free of any ankle issues and in good shape.
He stated, “I feel as physically fit as I can ever feel. Time alone will tell. I hope to perform well and reach my best form in these knockout games.
“Form-wise, I feel like I’ve been playing well; goals are what I’ll be evaluated on the most; nonetheless, I’m a calm individual who focuses on the team and does his best for it.”
His teammates scored nine goals during the group stage, which was the most scored by an England team at this point.
And he still assisted on three goals, which is the most by an England player at a World Cup since David Beckham twenty years ago.
Kane stated, “I would love to have two or three goals right now, but I believe the group stage has gone well.”
He needs only two goals to equal Wayne Rooney’s England record of 53 goals. The top aim is to lead the Three Lions to another final and win their first championship since 1966.
England will enter the encounter as the favorite, but Gareth Southgate will not underestimate Senegal.
Senegal has greatly impressed us,” he stated.
“We are aware that they are African champions and that they are quite proud and confident in their team. They have some outstanding individuals who can cause difficulties, as well as a solid organization.
“(Aliou) Cisse has done a tremendous job. They were unlucky not to qualify from their group in Russia, but they have done so now. We are aware of the scope of the task at hand.”
Southgate feels England is “mentally and physically prepared” for a second penalty shootout if the match against Senegal comes down to the wire.
The national team’s problems with penalty kicks are well-documented, with all three World Cup shootouts ending in defeat before overcoming Colombia in the round of 16 in Russia four years ago.
In 2019, England defeated Switzerland on penalties to take bronze at the Nations League finals, but penalties proved to be their undoing in last year’s European Championship final.
“We’re looking to win the game and avoid extra time and penalties if we can,” Southgate said, adding that a victory in 90 minutes is preferable.
“However, if we must continue for more than 120 minutes, we must be psychologically and physically prepared for that. And I believe we are.”
