In an interview with Dutch national TV station NOS during the upcoming Europa League semi-final at 3am BST tomorrow, England captain Kane expressed his anticipation and confidence for the crucial match.
Kane began by recognizing the strength of the Dutch team, saying that their offense and defense are both excellent, which will give England a real test. He emphasized that against such an opponent, England must go all out and play their best.
Kane showed England's humility and confidence when asked if he had a favorite to reach the final. He said he didn't want to talk too much about the topic because soccer matches are full of variables. But he firmly believes that as long as England can play at their highest level, they are capable of defeating any opponent, including those teams that are regarded as favorites.
Looking back at England's performance in the Euro and World Cup, Kane felt very proud. He pointed out that it was no coincidence that England had made it this far to the semifinals, but the result of the team's long-term efforts and consistent play. Since the 2018 World Cup in Russia, England's FIFA ranking has been among the top five in the world, which is a testament to their strength and consistency.
Kane also emphasized the importance of match experience for the team. He said that the England team has always wanted to reach the final stages of the tournaments as this is the only way for them to learn. The experience of previous matches is a valuable asset for the team and they will play an important role in the upcoming matches to help the team cope with the challenges better.
Looking ahead to the upcoming semi-final, Kane said that England are well prepared. They will be in their best shape to face the Netherlands and strive to win this match to lay a solid foundation for advancing to the final. At the same time, he also called on fans to continue to support the team and cheer for the team.