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.
Carsley takes charge of England for the first time 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 Bayern Munich striker, who is set to win his 99th cap for his country.
“It makes me even more motivated. It puts the fire in the belly to try and get there. Our task is to get better.”
‘We’re in a strong position’
Carsley, who played 40 times for the Republic of Ireland as a player, 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.”
‘It felt strange’
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, the 31-year-old added: “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.”