Harry Kane is relishing the chance to put things right with England on Saturday against Panama as they bid to secure top spot in Group L. The England captain struck a World Cup treble in a 6-1 demolition of Panama in Russia eight years ago and hopes lightning will strike twice after firing a blank against Ghana.
Victory in Boston against the Black Stars on Tuesday would have clinched first place with a match to spare. Instead, England lost 1-0, meaning they cannot afford to rest key players against Panama if they want to avoid a potentially favourable Round of 32 clash with Cape Verde in Atlanta.
Kane on His 2018 Hat-Trick
Reflecting on his hat-trick against Panama in 2018, Kane admitted it was not his finest performance: “A couple of pens and a lucky goal. Yeah, it wasn't my most beautiful hat-trick to be honest. I'll take that again on Saturday, for sure.”
Based on current projections, a second-placed finish would pair England with Portugal in the knockout stages before meeting Spain in the last 16. Kane still envisages manager Thomas Tuchel making notable changes this weekend following a dour display in Massachusetts.
Kane Expects Changes from Tuchel
Kane said: “I think the boss will be clear on his decisions, it wouldn't surprise me if he made some changes anyway and just kept the team fresh. He knows, as well as all of us, there is an extra game as well, so a long way to go, and we are in a good spot.”
“Panama, we expect probably a bit of a different game, so whoever plays in that one will be ready, will be energetic from the start, and probably won't face as much of a low block. There will be periods where we have to break it down for sure, but that's what the squad is for.”
England's World Cup Journey Ahead
“There are another six games to go, hopefully, so a lot of football to be played, and whoever's on the pitch, the guys will be ready,” Kane added. The 31-year-old striker insists he won't be haunted by his miss against Ghana and is focused on leading England to a strong performance against Panama.
