Harry Kane believes England are no longer afraid to admit they can win the World Cup, where he believes the Three Lions’ poor form could play into their hands.
Gareth Southgate’s side reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and lost to Italy on penalties in the Euro 2020 exhibition match, which was England’s first major final in 55 years.
But they are heading to Qatar for the 2022 World Cup, out of shape after being relegated from the top division of the Nations League after three draws and three losses in Group A3.
Southgate’s side haven’t won since a 3-0 friendly win over Ivory Coast in March, but captain Kane says the Three Lions won’t shy away from laying out their hopes of winning the World Cup.
“We have to believe we can win,” the Tottenham striker told Sky Sports. – I look back at England 10-15 years ago, and it’s almost [like] we were afraid to say that we wanted to win.
“I think one of the big shifts that we’ve made in the last four or five years with Gareth is that we’re not afraid to talk about it.
“Look, we are going to this tournament to win it because we believe we can. It would be wrong to think otherwise. What’s the point of going to the World Cup and not believing that you can bring the trophy home?
“It’s going to be tough and we’ll have to work really hard, a little bit of luck and a lot of work to get there.
“But I think it’s important not to be afraid to say that’s what we’re going to do.”
26. #three lions pic.twitter.com/YdKLiYPqyx
— England (@England) November 12, 2022
Pressure on Southgate has intensified after a poor run in the Nations League, but Kane says the winless streak has lowered expectations and could help England in the first leg against Iran on 21 November.
“Of course, the first game is very important,” Kane added. “Of course, it was not the best period for England in a long time. Since Gareth took charge, we haven’t had a spell like we used to.
“But in a way, before a big tournament, it can be really good, because it allows you not to get carried away, not even the media or the press.
“I feel like if we won every game before this tournament it would be ‘we’re guaranteed to win’ and ‘we’ll win’ and that may come with other pressures.
“We feel like refereeing at major tournaments is the main thing and the last two tournaments we had were good.”
Can @England Come back to #Soccer World Cup glory? pic.twitter.com/DroglecUJl
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 13, 2022
As for Kane’s fitness, who has been a regular in the Premier League for Tottenham, the 29-year-old believes the mid-season tournament will get him up and running immediately.
“Of course, I would rather play a lot of games that make you feel like you fit in,” he continued. “Sometimes after the season in the summer you have a break and then you have to get back together to play and you haven’t played many games.
“You can try and train as much as you can, but the bottom line is that you have to be prepared so that all your energy is ready for the game, and that’s what I’m trying to do.
“I think big tournaments test you the most with high pressure. It’s always tough to play for England, but there’s always an extra incentive in big tournaments.
“The mentality is to be away from home, to be in camp for five or six weeks, but it’s pretty fast because it’s during the season. Usually you’re out four or five weeks before a tournament and then another four or five weeks out of a tournament, so that’s a long period of time where you’re just not in your comfort zone.
“But I think what separates the best countries and winning countries from others is who can do it best.”
