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We still have plenty of hard work to do to match elite, says Kane

Kane and England enjoyed a memorable World Cup in Russia
Kane and England enjoyed a memorable World Cup in Russia

Harry Kane insists England still have plenty of work to do to progress further and compete regularly with the world’s elite as they prepare for their first game since a memorable World Cup summer.

England reached their first World Cup semi-final in three decades in Russia, before losing 2-1 to Croatia.

Kane, winner of the Golden Boot, now wants to look forward, starting with the Nations League opener against Spain at Wembley on Saturday night.

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“We know in the back of our minds that there is a lot of hard work to do from now until the Euros to first get there and then hopefully go even further than we did at the World Cup,” Kane said.

“It was a great tournament for us, but for the gaffer as well and he had a lot of good memories from that. He is the type of guy, like us, who will now push us on to go even further.

“Normally the first thoughts are happy memories, goals and wins, but then obviously you go on to think what could have been. So that will always be there until hopefully we can change it.”

With key Euro 2020 games, including both semi-finals and the final, being played at Wembley, Southgate and his men will see it as a big opportunity to do well.

For now, Kane is just happy to be back with players he shared such a special time with in Russia over the summer.

“It is good to see them again,” the Spurs star told Sky Sports. “Before I left, the missus said, ‘Oh, you are back off on your boys’ holiday again.’ And that is what it kind of feels like.

“We got on so well and to be back so quickly. The World Cup does not seem that long ago and it is like coming back to meet with your mates again.”