By Mark Gleeson
BERLIN (Reuters) – Captain Harry Kane and his England teammates are desperate to banish the disappointment of losing the last European Championship final by overcoming Spain in Sunday’s decider in Berlin, and winning a first major trophy in almost 60 years.
Kane is one of eight of the squad in Germany who competed three years ago when England lost at home to Italy, beaten at Wembley on post-match penalties.
“A lot of us after that final were, obviously, heartbroken with the result. And, as always, it’s a long journey getting back to where we are now. So full credit to the boys for the resilience that they’ve shown,” Kane said at Saturday’s pre-final press conference.
“And yeah, it just speaks volumes for the mentality of this squad. So we’re really happy to be back in another European final and, of course, we’re really desperate to go that one step further than what we did last time.”
There was much expectation at the last Euros of a long-awaited English success in the continental championship, to add to their 1966 World Cup success, especially with the final in London.
“Whenever you lose a final, it was always tough to wipe out those memories. I’m one who wants to try to learn from disappointment and learn from times that are tough … I feel like it helps me improve as a player and a person,” Kane continued.
“A lot has happened since and I’m excited to be back on that stage. It’s been a hard journey to get here. And now it’s just about going out there and trying to execute the game plan that we want and getting over the line.”
KANE’S SILVERWARE QUEST
At this tournament, England have been unconvincing in their passage to the final in Berlin, which Kane readily admitted, although they showed significant improvement in Wednesday’s semi-final success over the Netherlands.
“I think that the belief has grown as we’ve gone through the tournament, with what we’ve been through with the late goals and penalty shootouts … it builds resilience and builds belief.
“I think the team is obviously competent, but it’s like every game … every team we’re going to face is going to be difficult and we’d never take anything for granted.”
Kane is also frequently reminded of his failure to win any silverware in his professional career and predictably said he would be happy to swap any of his individual awards for a European Championship winners’ medal.
“It’s no secret I haven’t won a team trophy and every year that goes by you’re more motivated and determined to change that.
“Tomorrow night I have the opportunity to win one of the biggest trophies you could ever win and to make history with my nation.
“No question I’d swap everything I’ve done in my career to have a special night tomorrow evening,” he added.
(Reporting by Mark Gleeson; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne)
