UEFA U21 Euro: Tireless Kane is impatient to make his mark in every sphere
DECLAN WARRINGTON / AIPS** – OLOMOUC: Harry Kane expects to be ready for the start of the 2015-16 Premier League season despite concerns over burnout.
The Tottenham forward, on international duty with England at the UEFA U21 Euro, made 53 appearances over the past season often as a lone attacker.
He also participated in Tottenham’s busy end-of-season schedule in Asia and Australia, in Mauricio Pochettino has a club manager who demands a high-intensity style of play, and is expected to represent the senior England team at Euro 2016.
That demanding run means almost two years of top-level football with minimal rest and raised concerns about Kane’s future and development. But the 21-year-old ruled out here suggestions that he might miss the start of the coming season to allow for recovery time.
“I don’t think I’ll miss the start of the season,” said Kane. “I’ll probably have a couple of weeks off after this tournament but that’s normal and I think there’s more than enough time before the start of the season.
Summer break
“I don’t think physically it’s always a problem, I think mentally you need to get away from things as well. I’ll still keep myself fit and in shape. It’s not like I’m just going to let myself go.
“Obviously I’ll get myself a break after the tournament but I’ll be more than ready for the start of the season.”
Kane will lead England in Sunday’s vital Group B fixture against Sweden here in Olomouc. Victory is essential to regain ground lost in Thursday’s opening 1-0 defeat by Portugal.
He is perhaps the tournament’s most high-profile player and has already targeted exceeding that and establishing himself as one of the world’s best.
“To win trophies and to be one of the best players in the world [is my motivation],” he said.
“As any footballer growing up, you want to be the best you can. The top players around the world are doing it week in, week out, scoring goals and putting in great performances, and that’s what I aim to achieve.
“I want to win trophies, not just for club, for country. That’s always been the aim and always will be.”
** AIPS is the international sports journalists’ association with 10,000 members worldwide and is co-operating with UEFA in running a Young Reporters course in the Czech Republic. More information: www.AIPSmedia.com
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