Kane: ‘There are still levels we can reach’

Harry Kane has been speaking ahead of the Three Lions’ FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final against Norway on Saturday 11 July (10pm BST).

Thomas Tuchel’s side are heading into the game following a dramatic comeback win over DR Congo and a thrilling victory against Mexico at the Azteca Stadium.

Spirits are high in camp, as England prepare for their third successive World Cup quarter-final for the first time since 1970.

Kane has been part of all three of those campaigns, and feels that past experiences at major tournaments can help the team reach the last four for the second time in eight years.

England have evolved

“In 2018, we were a young, inexperienced team going into the Russia World Cup,” he explained.

“We’re now coming off the back of two major finals in the last three tournaments, a semi-final and quarter-final in the World Cup and now another quarter-final.

“A lot of these players have played in big games, in big moments, we’re more prepared for this situation, but as you know, you still have to go out there and perform at your highest level.

“We’re at the stage of the tournament now where any small difference, any percentage that you’re not with it, can be the difference between going through and not.

“For me personally, using experience in the other major tournaments I’ve played, at both international and club level, using all that to help the team around me and feel more relaxed going into tomorrow’s game.”

‘We need to show the best version of ourselves’

England were unbeaten in the group stages after two wins and a draw, before winning both knockout ties in normal time.

Despite their good form on paper so far in North America, Kane believes that the team has more to give than what they have shown in their opening five games.

“The last couple of games you’re at the stage of the tournament you’re expected to win as the England national team,” he said.

“We’re coming into a period now- the quarter-finals- we need to show the best version of ourselves.

“I still think there are still levels we can reach as a team that we haven’t quite reached yet at this tournament. Now’s the time to express that.”