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The English party received a warm send-off for their trip at St. George’s Park as Gareth Southgate and his charges left for Qatar. The Three Lions are one of the favourites for the 2022 World Cup, an ambition Harry Kane wants to realise.
The England captain was one of England’s star performers in Russia 2018 where they managed to make it to the semi-finals. He was on song again during the proceeding European Championship where the Three Lions faltered at the last hurdle.
Kane enters Qatar 2022 in fine scoring form, scoring 12 goals in his 15 Premier League appearances. He has the burden of the Three Lions on his shoulders and believes the squad can deliver at this ‘special occasion.’
The Tottenham captain admitted that playing in the quadriennial event is the highlight of his career as it is for the players joining him on the hunting party. It is the collective triumph that matters and hopes they will be able to achieve it this time around.
“The World Cup is a special occasion and we’re flying out today so we’re all excited,” he said on a live departure show from St. George’s Park.
“I think for most professional players it’s the biggest tournament you can play in. I’ve been lucky enough to do one and it was one of the greatest experiences of my life
“In 2018 it was an incredible experience, one of my favourite times playing football, and hopefully this will be more of the same.”
Golden Boot is a second thought
A loud England World Cup squad has a quiet leader in Harry Kane. A feature by @ChuckCulpepper1 (who just moments ago arrived at the @PostSports Doha bureau) #ThreeLions https://t.co/Hpj6PqgJdJ
— Steven Goff (@SoccerInsider) November 15, 2022
Goals for Kane in Qatar would see him etch his name in the history books. He stands two goals behind Wayne Rooney in England’s list of all-time top goalscorers despite playing 45 games fewer. He was their chief goalscorer in Russia, where he contributed to England’s cause with six goals.
He was rewarded with the World Cup Golden Boot for his efforts and in Qatar, his ambitions are the same. The 29-year-old shared that the possibility of winning the tournament itself alongside the Golden Boot would be incredible. The latter is not the main agenda but winning it again will surely help them achieve their goals.
“The main aim is to win the tournament and bring the trophy home and if I get the golden boot along the way then that would be incredible.
“It’s [golden boot] not the main thing I’m going for, but if I end up with the golden boot then it’ll be good for the team.”
England starts their Qatar 2022 World Cup campaign on 21 November against Iran. Given their late departure, they have a race against time to get ready for the Gulf nation’s climate.
Akin to Mexico 86, the hot temperatures are certain to have an impact on team performances. With matches against the USA and Wales coming in quick succession, the issue will be forced on them.
It can prove to be a deciding factor in their campaign. Southgate’s men will rely upon their familiarity with each other to get over the conditions. Moreover, with players active for their clubs just before the opening ceremony should help them in their bid.
Now it begins 🦁🦁🦁 pic.twitter.com/DSSmXndl0b
— Harry Kane (@HKane) November 15, 2022
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