Harry Kane insists he is more excited about England’s Euro 2016 opener with Russia than clash with rivals Wales
Tottenham striker plays down 'Battle of Britain' showdown while hailing the influence of his Three Lions club-mates
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HARRY KANE insists England’s Euro 2016 opener against Russia means MORE to him than the ‘Battle of Britain’ clash with Wales.
And the striker reckons that the five-man Tottenham presence in the squad - who are all likely to start - could be the key ingredient if the Three Lions are to triumph in France.
Kane appears set to lead the line against England when they face Russia in their opening Group B match in Marseilles on Sunday, looking to add to impressive tally of five goals in his 12 appearances.
Speaking to Rio Ferdinand for #5 Magazine, Kane said: “A lot of people would say the Wales game [is the one they’re looking forward to most].
“The fans and players will be up for it, but for me the first game is going to be the most exciting.
“The first game in a major tournament, and obviously if I’m playing, it will be very exciting and I’ll be itching to get out there and get a few goals.”
And he has backed Alli to continue showing that he can mix it with the best in the business.
He added: "I think it helps [having the Spurs players in the squad]. Not even on the pitch, but just around the hotels and training with a few familiar faces that you can have a bit of banter with.
“Obviously we all get on extremely well at England but there’s nothing like when you’ve got your own players there.
“You have that connection and we’ve been playing well on the pitch so we understand each other’s games very well.
“I think Dele Alli is a fantastic player and he’s shown that when he’s had the chance internationally that he can play amongst the best in the world.
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“It’s his decision making. He knows when to take a player on, when to pass it and when to have a shot.
“For me that’s very good, especially as a striker who wants chances. When you’ve got a number ten who’s going to make a quick pass or play you in, that’s perfect.
“I think we’ve had that understanding this season and hopefully we can continue that for England.”
Kane also singled out Germany as the side to watch and challenged his team-mates to produce the replicate the kind of performances that led to their 3-2 Berlin friendly victory in March.
He added: “I hope we can go and do it but there are some top teams.
“Germany are a good side and we beat them recently but they’ve got some great players. For me they’re going to be the favourites.
“They’re very efficient when it comes to major tournaments. Spain are always nice to watch and play good football.
“We’ve got the top teams in Europe and everyone is going to be good so we’ve got to make sure that we’re better.”