Harry Kane has set his sights on the Ballon d’Or, saying he believes he could possibly be among the many frontrunners if he leads England to World Cup success this summer season.
The England captain arrives on the match in excellent type after one other prolific season with Bayern Munich, scoring 61 objectives in all competitions and ending the marketing campaign with a DFB-Pokal ultimate hat-trick as Vincent Kompany’s aspect secured a home double.
England’s squad beneath Thomas Tuchel have begun gathering in Florida for his or her pre-tournament coaching camp, with Kane key to their hopes of ending the nation’s lengthy await a serious trophy.
Kane displays on Ballon d’Or possibilities
Kane acknowledged that England lifting the World Cup would considerably strengthen his case for soccer’s most prestigious particular person award, however insisted private accolades should not his focus.
“The Ballon d’Or if we win the World Cup? I would definitely be among the many favourites,” he stated in an interview with L’Equipe.
“Contemplating the trophies I’ve received this season and the variety of objectives I’ve scored, I’d be within the working.
“Particularly since, if England win the World Cup, we might think about the trophy going to an English participant.
“However on the similar time, I’m not the type of one that claims to deserve a Ballon d’Or. I attempt to let my performances on the pitch converse for themselves.”
Kane additionally referenced Bayern team-mate Michael Olise amongst these he believes shall be within the wider dialog for the award relying on how the match unfolds.
England assured beneath Tuchel
England journey to the match with renewed expectations beneath Tuchel, who has been tasked with guiding the aspect to their first main trophy since 1966.
Kane has beforehand labored beneath Tuchel at membership stage and spoke positively in regards to the affect the German coach has had on his recreation and the squad’s path.
“At Bayern, I liked his persona, his concepts for the crew, and the best way he obtained me taking part in. In a approach, he introduced these strategies to the nationwide crew,” he stated.
England’s lengthy street to silverware
England have come shut in latest tournaments, reaching the Euro 2020 and Euro 2024 finals, alongside a World Cup semi-final in 2018 and quarter-final in 2022.
Kane says that report exhibits progress, but additionally highlights the problem forward as a brand new cycle begins with a refreshed squad and training setup.
“The ambition is to win it [the World Cup], clearly, that must be our objective,” he stated.
“We all know it is going to be troublesome, however now we have been shut lately to profitable a serious match.
“This 12 months, we may have a brand new coach, new gamers. It’s thrilling — even when this type of competitors generates a whole lot of stress.”
