Harry Kane admits a “hectic” 12 months since his record transfer to Bayern Munich has taken its toll but vowed to lead England back to winning ways under interim boss Lee Carsley.
Kane was back at Tottenham on Saturday, a year after his £100 million move to Munich. Although he scored 44 goals in 45 games for the German giants, they ended the season without a trophy for the first time in 11 years and Kane suffered further heartbreak as England lost the final of Euro 2024 to Spain.
The England captain looked below his best during the summer tournament, and he admitted the last year had been draining physically.
He said: “It was a hectic 12 months, a lot of change in my life, from a football point of view but also personally, moving to a different country, settling in a new house and getting the kids into new schools.
“All that sort of stuff that goes into a transfer takes a lot of energy out of you. It was a really good year, and then we were one game away from having an incredible summer, but it was not to be. In life and in football you have to dust yourself down and go again, and I am really looking forward to this season.”
The England captain was not involved in the decision to replace Gareth Southgate with Lee Carsley as interim England manager, but is looking forward to working with the under-21 coach s the Three Lions take on Ireland and Finland in the Nations League next month.
“I had no say in it but from my point of view as captain and player, I’ll get behind the coach. We’ve got two important games coming up. After the tournament we had, you want to kickstart well and get back to it.
“The decision was out of my hands and all I can do is do my best for him and my country.”
Kane also revealed he spoke to Dominic Solanke in the Spurs dressing room on Saturday evening, as the former Bournemouth striker was unveiled as Tottenham’s record signing at £65m. Richarlison and Heung Min Son struggled to replace Kane in attack last season, while Solanke scored 19 Premier League goals for the Cherries.
“Dom’s a great player, with high intensity and speed, and will get chances in this team, the way Ange Postecoglou plays. He’s a great signing. I just saw him in the dressing room and wished him all the best and I hope he has a great season.”