Final thoughts before Scotland

England boss Gareth Southgate and skipper Harry Kane addressed the media for the final time on Thursday evening ahead of their second UEFA EURO 2020 group game, against Scotland. 

Fans inside Wembley Stadium connected by EE and at home will be hoping for a second successive win at the tournament as the Three Lions face their old foes in competitive fixtures for the 100th time.

Southgate himself played the last time England met Scotland at a major tournament, back in 1996, and fully understands the context of the occasion - something that has also rubbed off on captain Kane. 

"We know that we’ve got to compete because otherwise you can get overrun like in any game. But our focus has been on solving the tactical problems with the way they play," said Southgate. 

"For the fans and for us it’s a big occasion but again it’s an opportunity for three points and our objective is qualification so that’s what we’ve got to focus on."

Kane added: "Winning with England has always been my dream and the ultimate goal. Whenever you pull on this shirt, the aim is to win and we haven’t won a major trophy for a long time. 

"We all have the chance to be part of something special and I’m relishing that challenge. There’s a lot of hard work to be done, so me and all the rest of the players want to make our country, families and friends proud."

We're live from London with #ThreeLions boss Gareth Southgate and captain @HKane ahead of tomorrow's game against Scotland: https://t.co/ZI2ctsoQec

— England (@England) June 17, 2021

The 27 year old Tottenham Hotspur striker is yet to get off the mark at the tournament but feels as though he is more than equipped to deal with anything the Scotland defence might throw at him. 

"I’ve learned to cope with different tactical approaches over the years," he added. "Every country has their own style of defending but from my point of view I’d like to think I’ve learned how to manage that on the pitch.

"That comes with being a footballer at the highest level but my focus is on helping the team in whichever way possible."

A sentiment that was echoed by his manager who, as a former defender himself, understands the impact Kane can have on the game even when he's not scoring - just as he did against Croatia. 

"When you have outstanding players then they are going to attract the attention of the defenders but what it does is open up space for other people and that’s what happened on Sunday," said Southgate.  

"That’s part and parcel of games at the highest level, you know you are going to get that attention as a top striker - they can’t give you a yard because they’re going to be punished.”