‘Leo still performing’: Harry Kane uses Messi as example to reveal his England World Cup future football news
Harry Kane Said it was too early to decide whether to implement it in 2026 fifa world cup It would be his last, after England’s hopes of reaching the final were ended by Argentina after a dramatic 2-1 defeat in the semi-finals. The England captain admitted the latest setback felt familiar after another deep campaign but insisted he was not prepared to put any limits on his country’s future.
Kane reflects on another near miss
England were on course to reach the World Cup final after Anthony Gordon’s 55th-minute strike put Thomas Tuchel’s side ahead in Atalanta.However, the defending champion gradually took control of the game. In the 85th minute, Enzo Fernandez equalized the score and Lautaro Martinez scored with a header. Lionel MessiA cross in stoppage time helped Argentina complete the comeback and advance to the final against Spain.Looking back on the defeat, Kane admitted England once again struggled in the closing stages of a crucial knockout tie.“I feel like it’s similar to what happened in previous games,” Kane said.“We controlled the momentum of the game well for 60 minutes, we scored and took the lead.“Then for some reason we struggled to keep the ball, we struggled to put pressure on the ball, which allowed them to create more momentum and more offense in our final third.”
England’s Harry Kane (9) and Jude Bellingham (10) look frustrated at the end of the World Cup semi-final match between England and Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Jeff Robertson)
He added that England would naturally be a step behind after taking the lead but admitted it would be too difficult to maintain a one-goal advantage for more than 20 minutes against the reigning world champions.“It’s a normal mentality to try and keep a one-goal lead, but we have 20 minutes left. We have to look back at the game and figure out how to improve in this situation, but that’s probably been the missing piece in the last four games.”
England’s attention turns to third place play-off
The defeat means England’s wait for a first World Cup title since 1966 continues, although Tuchel’s side have a game remaining.Deschamps’ team lost 0-2 to Spain in the other semi-final, and the Three Lions will face France in the third-place final.Kane once again led England into a major tournament, scoring 6 goals during the 2026 World Cup, ranking among the top scorers in the World Cup, while leading England to the semi-finals again.
Kane not ready to make retirement decision
Attention quickly turned to whether the 32-year-old had played his last World Cup, with Kane set to be 36 by the time the next one arrives in 2030.However, the Bayern Munich striker made it clear that no immediate decision will be taken after such a painful defeat, while also drawing inspiration from Lionel Messi’s longevity at the highest level.“Again, it’s too early to talk about that,” Kane told BBC Sport.“I take it year after year and the national team is my pride and joy. It’s my favorite thing to do.“Obviously four years is a long time. I’ll be 33 this summer but as you can see on the other side, Leo is there and he’s still performing at the highest level.“I never want to put limits on these things. I’ll work things out when they happen, but right now it’s just a matter of dealing with a painful loss.”
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