FIFA: How would you sum up what the World Cup means to you?国际足联:您如何概括世界杯对您意味着什么?
Harry Kane: For me, the World Cup is the pinnacle of a professional footballer’s career. This will be my third one, and the excitement almost gets stronger because you know how much it means. You know how big the tournament is, how special it is to play in front of the fans and play in the different stadiums. I’m just excited to be able to do it again.
You have been in England teams that have been very close to winning titles. How much does that motivate you to take that final step?You have been in England teams that have been very close to winning titles. How much does that motivate you to take that final step?
When you get so close, it’s a really devastating feeling when you don’t quite manage to win it. I know how much it would mean [to win the trophy] – not just to us, the players and the staff, but the fans and the country itself. I think it would just be a memory that everyone will have for a lifetime. The fact that we’ve been so close definitely motivates me to be there and get there again and try to go that one step further.
Harry Kane | Golden Boot Award | 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™Harry Kane | Golden Boot Award | 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™
The adidas Golden Boot was first awarded to the top goalscorer of the tournament in 1982 under the name Golden Shoe. It was renamed Golden Boot in 2010. Runners-up are awarded the adidas Silver Boot and adidas Bronze Boot awards respectively.The adidas Golden Boot was first awarded to the top goalscorer of the tournament in 1982 under the name Golden Shoe. It was renamed Golden Boot in 2010. Runners-up are awarded the adidas Silver Boot and adidas Bronze Boot awards respectively.
How inspiring is it to see that incredible support you get from home? How inspiring is it to see that incredible support you get from home?
That’s what makes it special and that’s what makes every major tournament the way it is. You see how much it means to everyone. Of course, you know the fans are behind you and the pressure is on, but that’s part and parcel of being where we are. The fact that we’ve been close definitely helps us in being able to handle it, but the expectation is high now. When you get to two finals [of the EURO] and semi-finals of the World Cup, people expect you to win the next one. We know that, and we have to be ready for that.
On another theme, you’re a big American football fan. How was that passion ignited and how much are you looking forward to playing in NFL stadiums at the World Cup? On another theme, you’re a big American football fan. How was that passion ignited and how much are you looking forward to playing in NFL stadiums at the World Cup?
I was about 16 or 17 and I watched a Tom Brady documentary. I really appreciated him as a sportsman and, from that moment, I learnt more about NFL. I became a New England Patriots fan because of it and because of Tom. I just fell in love with it.
It’s going to be great to play in some of those stadiums. We obviously go to Boston [to play Ghana], and we play at the New England stadium as well, which I’m really looking forward to. I’ve never been before, so that’ll be a special one for me.
You’ve spoken about possibly playing the sport professionally. Is that still something you have in mind?You’ve spoken about possibly playing the sport professionally. Is that still something you have in mind?
You never know! Maybe as a kicker. I’ve done it a few times, but we’ll have to wait and see. It might be something I’ll try towards the end of the career, for sure. But I also know to be able to do it at a high level, you’re going have to have a lot of dedication. We’ll have to wait and see.
England skipper Kane on NFL passionEngland skipper Kane on NFL passion
Striker reveals excitement about playing in spectacular NFL stadiums at FIFA World Cup 2026.Striker reveals excitement about playing in spectacular NFL stadiums at FIFA World Cup 2026.
Getting back to England, you are the team’s captain. How have you grown as a leader over the years?Getting back to England, you are the team’s captain. How have you grown as a leader over the years?
Thomas Tuchel has spoken about the team spirit and confidence in the group. How important is that heading into a World Cup?托马斯·图赫尔谈到了球队的精神和信心。这对于即将到来的世界杯有多重要?
The England players who won the 1966 World Cup are legendary figures in the country’s sporting history. What would it mean to join that pantheon of greats?赢得1966年世界杯的英格兰球员是该国体育史上的传奇人物。跻身这些伟大球员之列意味着什么?
Tickets - FIFA World Cup 26™Tickets - FIFA World Cup 26™Start your FIFA World Cup 26™ journey by exploring our ticket options!Start your FIFA World Cup 26™ journey by exploring our ticket options!