Useful information
Prime News delivers timely, accurate news and insights on global events, politics, business, and technology
Harry Kane has vowed to erase the pain of his World Cup heartbreak and lead England to glory in next summer’s tournament.
The England captain scored two goals in a 5-0 victory over Latvia, sealing qualification for the 2026 World Cup in North America.
The result ensures that the 32-year-old will get another chance on football’s biggest stage, four years after his missed penalty against France in the 2022 quarter-finals, a moment that long lingered in his mind.
That miss remains one of the few low points in an otherwise brilliant career. The Bayern Munich striker has since become England’s all-time leading scorer, reaching 76 international goals with his brace in Riga, and now has his sights set on reaching 100.
“I would say that was probably the worst I felt at any time,” he said. “Obviously I’ve lost finals before.
“Having that responsibility, you almost feel like it fell on my shoulders and I guess not being able to execute something that I’ve been able to execute many times in my career, I think that was the hardest part to process and take on.
“I don’t think about it much now. After another great tournament, you get over it and move on. I scored a penalty in the Euro semi-final which was the highest pressure you can have.
“In terms of that being my last memory (of a World Cup), yes, I’m looking forward to the next World Cup to try to correct it, try to go further. Try to lift the trophy like we all dream of doing.”
“And the opportunity is always there when it presents itself. I think those moments just shape you as a person, as a player, and they’ve definitely helped me become a better player.”
Kane in the shape of his life.
Kane’s form since that disappointment has been exceptional. With 21 goals in 13 appearances this season for club and country, he believes he is playing the best football of his career.
“I think it’s there. The way I feel right now, I’m not going to slow down anytime soon,” he said.
“I want to stay at this level as long as I can. “I’m 76 now, so there’s 24 left and we’ve got a few more games between now and the World Cup and then we’ll try to get closer to that 100.
“The goals are there and the numbers speak for themselves. The way I feel on the field, the way I see the game, physically and without the ball, pressing, I feel in a very good place.”
Having led England to a World Cup semi-final and back-to-back European Championship finals under Gareth Southgate, Kane believes the team has gained the experience and mentality to challenge again.
“We’ve been knocking on the door, but it doesn’t happen overnight,” he added. “We have to continue being in those situations and we have done it.
“There is always excitement before an important tournament, I’m sure we will be excited.
“But we know we are still at the bottom of the mountain. Winning a World Cup is going to be incredibly difficult.
“We will have to beat the biggest teams on the biggest stage and these moments, these feelings that we have together now are important steps to get to the summer and not be afraid against anyone.”
