Harry Kane was tight-lipped about his future at Tottenham as the English captain focused on World Cup preparations and broke Wayne Rooney’s all-time scoring record.
After struggling form after a much-discussed summer outing was not realized, the 28-year-old striker has returned to the groove in recent months.
Kane has scored 32 goals in 47 appearances for club and country this season, including seven in his last seven Premier League appearances, and is sure to attract more admiring looks this summer.
Asked about the potential of his long-term future, which proves a distraction as the World Cup comes into focus, he said: “Of course, my main focus is just to finish this season, first and foremost.
“We’re still in competition for the top four and that’s where my focus lies. I can not control what happens in the future.
“It’s a big year for everyone. Not just me.
“I want to get into that tournament in the best possible shape, so it’s just about controlling what I can control and doing what I’ve been doing for the last few months.
“It’s important to stay focused over the summer and I’m looking forward to a fantastic tournament.”
Kane was honest about his future and said he would “not get into discussions, personal discussions” with Spurs boss Antonio Conte, who has helped bring the best out of him since his November rendezvous.
We’re still in a competition for the top four and that’s where my focus lies. I can not control what happens in the future
Harry Kane
“He’s a fantastic coach and since he came in, we’ve really well put together,” said the English striker.
“He brings his ideas into play, he brings the way he wants me to play, the taxes play out so I’ve definitely learned different aspects of my game under him.
“I feel physically in a better place. We train really hard, we work hard every day and I feel the benefits of how I feel physically and even mentally with that mental acuity.
“I’m in a really good place. I feel like I’m in good shape, but as always I feel like I can continue to improve and Antonio is definitely a manager who will push you further to your limits.
“I enjoy having someone who is the manager.”
Kane enjoys working under Conte (John Walton / PA)
(PA Wire)
Kane’s focus for the moment is on what Gareth Southgate wants from him as England prepare for their World Cup with friendly matches against Switzerland and Ivory Coast.
There are only a handful of camps before the tournament in Qatar is up and running, which means that time is of the essence as they look to improve on their 2018 semi-finals and defeat in the Euro final.
“From where we were before the 2018 World Cup to where we are now, we have taken massive steps with the squad, with the team, with the connection with the fans,” said Kane. “There is definitely an expectation on us now.
“Of course the finals in the summer still hurt. It still has a bitter taste in the mouth. It gives you more hunger, more fire in the stomach to hopefully try to take it a step further and win a big tournament.
Kane closes Rooney’s England goal record (Nick Potts / PA)
(PA Archive)
“We are working on it, we feel like we have improved every year and this year is no different. Hopefully we can take big steps to become one of the best teams in the history of the English national team.
Kane is arguably England’s all-time leading scorer when Qatar rolls around, with the 2018 Golden Boot winner just five goals shy of Wayne Rooney’s record 53 goals.
“Of course as you all know, I want to play as many games as possible, but look, I’ll be ready to play both games, one game,” he added.
“That record is there, it’s close. I’d like to break it obviously and hopefully with the players we have this year, that will be possible.
“I feel fit, I feel in a really good place. So, no matter what game I’m called upon, I’ll be ready to play.
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