Milan: Harry Kane is set to break England’s all-time goalscoring record in his side’s opening Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy, manager Gareth Southgate said on Wednesday.
Tottenham striker Kane joined Wayne Rooney on 53 goals for his national team after missing a penalty in England’s World Cup quarter-final defeat by France.
But Southgate says he has put that frustration behind him heading into Thursday’s Group C clash in Naples.
“We’ve seen his performances and goalscoring with his club so he’s put that behind him,” Southgate told reporters.
“I know he’s going to be motivated to come back tomorrow night and show everyone in an England shirt. It’s a good position for us.”
England have a poor record against the world’s top sides and will face an acid test on Thursday against a team that snatched Euro 2020 victory at Wembley before being relegated to the second tier of the Nations League.
“We’ve been in some of the biggest matches in world football, they know the level that’s required, they know they’re capable of competing at that level,” Southgate added.
“Everything we’ve done in the past is irrelevant tomorrow night, because we have to start again and have the patience to work hard to qualify again, and it’s been great for us to keep it going. put it.
“Italy didn’t qualify for the World Cup but they still have some great players and they will be very motivated.”
West Ham midfielder Declan Rice said defeat by France in Qatar had not deterred England from aiming for a major tournament success that has eluded them for nearly six decades.
“I think if we look at ourselves after that France game, we took a lot more positive attitude from the game even though we lost,” Rice said. Rice said.
“I think there was a real belief in the room as a group of players that we could compete with the best but now it’s up to us to take it one step further — beat a top country, And win the trophy.
“That’s all we have in mind, from last night, trying to beat Italy and start our campaign well.”
