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Tottenham’s Harry Kane: I’m Not Tired

By Alexander Balano

England's striker Harry Kane attends a team training session in Watford, north of London, on June 1, 2016.England are set to play Portugal in an international friendly football match at Wembley on June 2, ahead of Euro 2016. / AFP / GLYN KIRK / NOT FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING USE / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images)
England's striker Harry Kane attends a team training session in Watford, north of London, on June 1, 2016.England are set to play Portugal in an international friendly football match at Wembley on June 2, ahead of Euro 2016. / AFP / GLYN KIRK / NOT FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING USE / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images) /
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With England in the knockout stages of the Euros, Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane who has gone two full seasons without rest, is ready to play against Iceland.

After making a total of 136 appearances from May 2014 (Mauricio Pochettino’s first year as manager) to June 2016 (the European Championship), Harry Kane insists that he isn’t tired despite having to play in so many games for two years straight.

Games that have been spread across pre-and-post-season tours and time spent between England’s Under-21 team and the senior national team. Participating in international friendlies, European Championship qualifiers and the Euros themselves.

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One would think that not being able to score during England’s three group stage matches, being subbed off at half-time against Wales and dropped from the starting XI versus Slovakia was a sign that Kane was indeed exhausted and needed rest.

Though coming from him, prior to tomorrow’s round of 16 match-up against Iceland, the Tottenham striker refuses to acknowledge that he feels tired. Instead, he’s as fit as ever and is raring to go. Claiming to feel 100 percent fine.

"“I’m not tired, I’ve had this before – last year with the Under-21’s there was a similar thing,” Harry Kane said in a press conference with the media (via The Daily Mail). “But I’m 100 percent, fresh and I’m ready.”"

Tottenham fans want nothing more than to see Kane get adequate rest as Spurs will embark on a pre-season tour as soon as the European Championship is complete — or when all of their players return if their teams get knocked out.

MARSEILLE, FRANCE - JUNE 10: Harry Kane of England speaks with Kyle Walker (l) and Danny Rose (r) during an England training session ahead of the EURO 2016 Group B match against England at Stade Velodrome on June 10, 2016 in Marseille, France. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
MARSEILLE, FRANCE – JUNE 10: Harry Kane of England speaks with Kyle Walker (l) and Danny Rose (r) during an England training session ahead of the EURO 2016 Group B match against England at Stade Velodrome on June 10, 2016 in Marseille, France. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /

Meaning a third consecutive season where the 22-year-old remains as the first choice striker still looms with no center-forwards being signed just yet. AZ Alkmaar have rejected Tottenham’s bid of €14 million (£11.4 million) in the hopes of holding out for €20 million (£16.3 million).

Antonio Sanabria’s situation is also up in the air with the Italian press claiming that a deal is complete or that it will be finalized soon. Except, the English media have nothing to report on a deal being done.

While Kane seriously needs to take a breather or two, or just sit out for the rest of the tournament, the England striker is still Roy Hodgson’s number one option to lead the Three Lions’ attack.

Plus, he wants to return to the starting XI and take on Iceland. If not, he knows that England have other players who can get the job done.

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"“I think it’s part of the tournament, we have a great squad of players and use everyone in it in the right way,” Kane continued.“I think not many teams will play the starting XI throughout the whole tournament.”“As players we need to be ready when called upon and I think we are. Anyone who steps in or out is focused on the team. If it changes then we are ready for that and go out there for the win.”"

Looking at where England stands in the round of 16, their second place finish in Group B could prove costly as it now sees them grouped with France, Germany, Italy and Spain. A difficult gauntlet that boasts nine European Championships and 10 World Cups between them.

Should England beat Iceland they’d go into the quarter-finals awaiting either France or the Republic of Ireland. Advancing into the semi-finals sees them squaring off against Germany, Italy, Slovakia or Spain.

It’s a tough test from here on out but the way Harry Kane sees it is that they have a chance to go all the way. England likes their chances, as slim as it is, but are confident in their abilities and are only focused on Iceland.

"“We’re pretty calm. There’s been a lot of talk about being on this side of the draw and who we could face but we’re a confident bunch of players,” Kane added (via Sky Sports).“If you’re going to win a major tournament you are going to have to play some of the best teams so we’re calm and focused on Iceland.”"

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With how Russia, Slovakia and Wales played in this tournament so far — by playing deep with players behind the ball — Harry Kane knows that Iceland will do the same thing. It’s up to the Three Lions to deal with it but they fancy their chances.

"“That’s something we’re going to have to deal with. A lot of teams see the way we play and the players we’ve got and try to defend to the best of their ability.”“What we’ve seen of Iceland, that’s what they like to do and hit teams on the counter-attack, but if we want to progress and go far we’ll have to deal with that and perform on the pitch.”“We fancy ourselves against anyone, we’re very confident in our ability.”"

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