Harry Kane says he is carrying the hurt of England‘s Euro 2024 final defeat into the start of Lee Carsley’s spell as interim boss – and motivated more than ever to help them win a major tournament.
The Bayern Munich striker will win his 99th England cap when they face the Republic of Ireland in Dublin in the Uefa Nations League on Saturday (17:00 BST).
Speaking on Friday, Three Lions captain Kane said he had not fully got over the pain of the 2-1 defeat to Spain in the final in Berlin on 14 July.
“It’s tough whenever you get so close to reaching one of pinnacles of career and it’s taken away,” added the 31-year-old forward.
“It makes me even more motivated. It puts the fire in the belly to try and get there. Our task is to get better.”
Kane told BBC Radio 5 Live he wants to keep playing for a long time, taking inspiration from several modern-day legends.
“I think when you look at players like [Cristiano] Ronaldo, [Luka] Modric and [Lionel] Messi, all these players who are playing in their mid to late 30s, that’s the inspiration for me because it shows that you can really play at a high level for a long time,” he added.
“I want to play football for as long as possible and at the highest level for as long as possible.
“I use those players for motivation and inspiration to be able to do that.
“I feel I am in a really good place both mentally and physically to have another great season, hopefully that continues for many years to come.”
“I’ve never sung national anthem for Ireland as I wouldn’t for England’
Carsley has been given two games as interim boss, but could get more as the Football Association search for a permanent replacement for Gareth Southgate.
Southgate resigned two days after the defeat to Spain.
A win against the Republic of Ireland followed by victory over Finland, also in the Nations League, on Tuesday at Wembley could well help Carsley’s cause of landing the job full-time.
The next England manager will not only be expected to take the team to the 2026 World Cup but charged with winning it.
Carsley insisted he was not taking over a team low in confidence.
“I definitely don’t see this as a fresh start,” he said. “I believe we’re in a strong position. They [England] were in a low position when Gareth Southgate took over. It’s totally different now.
“Standards are so high. Hopefully they can go that one step further [to winning something]. That last push is the hardest thing.”
Carsley will be facing the national team he represented 40 times as a player. When asked by reporters if he would be singing the national anthem he said he would not – but added it had nothing to do with facing the Irish.
“The anthems are obviously a massive part of the game especially with internationals and something I really respect,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“I have never sung the national anthem for Ireland as I wouldn’t for England. That’s just because of my own personal match preparation. I am fully focused on the game.
“When I was playing for Ireland, I always struggled with the wait between the warming up, going back in the dressing room, the walk in the tunnel and the wait while the anthems were on, because usually in the Premier League it was quite quick.
“It has been no different since I have been coaching England Under-21s. It’s really in that zone and preparing for the game.”
Return ‘felt strange’ after Southgate exit
Kane described the start of Carsley’s interim spell in charge as “another exciting chapter in my England career”.
Asked if it felt like a new era, he said: “It felt a little bit strange when we first came into camp.
“The boss has his own ideas and identity. We did a lot of good things with Gareth but ultimately the new coach has fresh ideas. It’s been good.”
There are four uncapped players in the squad including Newcastle defender Tino Livramento, Lille‘s Angel Gomes, Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White and Chelsea forward Noni Madueke.
“There are a lot of young players excited to be here and express themselves,” said Kane, who revealed he had spoken to Southgate since the manager stood down.
“It’s great for the experienced players as well, I have been playing for nine years for England now. I still remember that excitement from the first camp.”
