"Harry Kane Ambitious" .. England's key to the title absent in the European Cup كأس
Tottenham star Harry Kane has the elixir of the Three Lions' efforts to end 55 years of disappointment, as coach Gareth Southgate's squad begins its Euro 2020 campaign with a mission of revenge against Croatia on Sunday.
England have not won a major title since the 1966 World Cup on home soil, and their history without many accomplishments is filled with disappointment, sadness and embarrassment on the green stage.
One of the most painful defeats in recent years came at the hands of Croatia, who beat Southgate's men in the World Cup semi-finals in Russia three years ago.
But England's side has been reinvigorated under the former international defender, as they enter their opening Group D match at Wembley on Sunday, with a growing belief that they can replicate Bobby Moore and his teammates' success on home soil more than half a century ago.
Southgate chose one of the tournament's most youthful and interesting squads, with the inclusion of Phil Foden, Mason Mount and Judd Bellingham, heralding a new era for the Three Lions.
With England playing all of their group stage matches at Wembley, which also hosts the Round of 16, semi-finals and final matches, the stadium has been set for Southgate's men to make the most of their home ground.
To do this, Commander Kane must remain physically fit and with all of his engines running.
Kane finished his season as the Premier League's top scorer for the third time, with 23 goals this season.
So the 27-year-old is at the height of his power and the pinnacle of ambition.
No wonder he told Tottenham, who had not won a title since 2008, of his desire to join a club capable of giving him the medals his talent deserved.
The story of Kane's transfer will be one of the stories of the new season in the Premier League, as defending champion Manchester City is at the forefront of seeking to include the striker, whose transfer price is estimated at 212 million dollars.
Focus on the national team
Southgate says Kane will be able to set aside personal ambitions for England's attacking pursuits in the continental competition.
"I think his focus is on the team," he said. "I think he's very clear about that. The trophies and individual achievements are of course something very special and deeply deserved."
"But it is in this moment in his journey with us, when you forget the number of games and goals and think about the success of the team."
Kane won the 2018 World Cup Golden Boot after scoring six goals during the England career in Russia.
But he looked visibly tired by the time England ran out of steam against Croatia in the semi-finals.
Kane once again struggled with ankle problems during the pandemic-ravaged season, raising questions about what measures Southgate will take to avoid losing his mascot over the next month.
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