Bayern Munich's tensions fuel Harry Kane's discontent during the European Championships
England, after a long wait dating back to 1966, is ready to claim the title for their national football team. With the patient leader, Harry Kane, at the helm, the team faces the European Championship in England with determination.
The year was 2022 when Wembley Stadium roared with over 87,000 spectators as England triumphed over the DFB team and bagged the Home European Championship, clinching victory in the final. "God save the Queen" and "Sweet Caroline" echoed upon the victory. The heroines, such as goalkeeper Mary Earps, made their country proud. The men, however, still seek success in the European championship.
In the previous European Championship, the team came heartbreakingly close to catching up with their peers. The final battle was on in Wembley Stadium, but it ended in a penalty shootout. Italy snatched the glory, winning 3-2. England wept, leaving as runner-ups in Europe.
Since 1966, England was crowned World Champions, thanks to Geoff Hurst's Wembley goal. Since then, English men have been chasing a title – just like their captain, Harry Kane. The joke that he joined German record champions, FC Bayern, and the club failed to secure a title with him persists. In 45 league games, Kane scored 44 goals for the Munich club, clinching the top scorer award in the Bundesliga with 36 goals. Nevertheless, the club only managed to place third in the league, and in the Champions League, they were knocked out in the semi-finals against Real Madrid. In the DFB Cup, FC Bayern was eliminated by Saarbrucken in the second round.
"Of course, it was a really tough end to the season. The season, overall, did not go as well as the team and I had hoped," Kane admits. The loss against Real Madrid particularly irked him for far too long, as Kane himself had converted a penalty in the initial leg. The elusive "title gene" that the Englishmen lacked, Kane could not find in Germany up until then. Now, at the tournament in their home soil, England is considered one of the favorites.
"It will be a tournament I should enjoy, because I am not only backed by English fans, but German fans too, which I truly appreciate. This should hopefully bolster my self-confidence and inspire me even more to play a spectacular tournament," he says. He exudes confidence, despite the dismal 0-1 defeat against Iceland in the last warm-up game before the EM.
"I am extremely proud of what I have accomplished in my career so far, but I also know that I desire trophies," he admits. "From an external point of view, I am likely to be respected as one of the best strikers globally. When you play for a club like Bayern Munich, this is inevitable if you have a stellar season. This benefits me because it enhances my image and enables me to truly belong to the world's best players."
As Captain led by Team Manager Gareth Southgate, I lead the charge, even though many now expect great things from a younger team member: Jude Bellingham. "He is a superb footballer, the way he approaches the game and the spaces he identifies. I feel we play well together," Kane says about the 20-year-old, who is already being hyped as his potential successor. I don't want to relinquish the captaincy that quickly, says Kane. For another four, five years, I aim to remain at the pinnacle of my career. Ideally, we will clinch a title then. Hopefully, it will be at this EURO.
