Harry Kane has told the nation to keep calm – because England can still become the kings of Europe.
The country went into meltdown in the wake of the Three Lions’ disappointing draw with Denmark in Frankfurt on Thursday. The reaction to the performance has seen people dismiss out of hand England’s chances of winning Euro 2024.
But Kane has told supporters not to panic, because the best is still to come from his team. England will top Group C heading into the knockout stages, with a win over Slovenia in Cologne on Tuesday night.
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And Kane said: “We have been here before, we have a lot of experience – and it is not a time to panic, but a time to improve. I love my other sports, and always in these tournaments at this early stage, it is almost like a boxer in the first couple of rounds seeing where everyone is at and how they feel.
“Or a golfer in a major tournament in the first round, don’t play yourself out of the tournament. Be calm. That is where we are at. We are looking at where we need to improve and of course we can improve, but it is not the time to panic and change everything.”
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Kane, who denied calling a player summit meeting following the draw with Denmark, has told the critics to judge England after the tournament. He said: “A lot of us have been here and done it, and we’ve given England fans some fantastic times.
“I know 99% are fully behind us and fully with us, but as always during the tournament just to support us as they always do, and I know they will. Then after the tournament, you can judge us. I always say when it’s finished, there will be people judging us.
“People will have their opinions, but ultimately it will be us who make the decisions and try to find the solution.” Kane reckons some of the criticism has been so brutal it could be in danger of affecting the mood of some of his less experienced team-mates.
He said: “Some of the lads, I don’t know how many, but we do hear it. We live in a world now where you look at your phone, and everything pops up. It’s hard to switch off from everything.
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“I’m not saying to not talk about it, or for the pundits to say ‘this could be better, that could be better’. That’s part of being a fan. All I would say is trust us. Trust us as much as possible, get behind us and help us achieve what we want to achieve. And that’s to be successful.
“I know they would love nothing more if we are all celebrating after the Euros.” Kane also launched a passionate defence of England boss Gareth Southgate.
When asked if Southgate was still the best man of the job, Kane added: “Yeah, absolutely. I can’t speak highly enough of Gareth, and what he has done for this team and the nation.
“In terms of where we were, and where we are now as a national team, is completely different. Being England manager is a really difficult job, he knows that and we know that.
“There are always going to be people who criticise or doubt him, but his record speaks for itself – it’s really successful with us. And like all of us, he’s determined to take that next step and win it – and that’s what we are all really determined to do.”