England striker Harry Kane is adamant that captaining the Three Lions at the World Cup will not impact on his game ahead of their opening Group G clash with Tunisia.
Kane netted five goals in England’s qualification campaign and 30 Premier League goals for Tottenham last term, was handed the armband by Gareth Southgate prior to the England squad travelling to their Repino base.
And the 24-year-old, who caused a stir when he controversially claimed a goal against Stoke City as he battled Liverpool’s Mohammed Salah for the Premier League Golden Boot, says the captaincy will not change his style of play, claiming he always prioritises the team’s requirements.
“Whatever anyone says, my game has always been about putting the team first,” Kane said.
“I feel exactly the same now as I did before I was captain. I don’t feel any extra pressure just because I’m wearing the armband. My game won’t change. Certainly my personality won’t change.
“I still look to push myself, to push other players, and I hope my team-mates can now look at me as someone they can talk to. But I’m still the same man. I haven’t changed.