Kane Says Argentina World Cup Heartbreak Was His Toughest Yet Ahead Of Spain Clash

Harry Kane has called the World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina the most painful tournament exit of his career. England's captain made the admission to the Guardian. Something shifted late in the game, he said.

England lost their sense of identity in the closing stages of the 2-1 loss, going quiet as a team after taking the lead in the 55th minute.

England now host world and European champions Spain in the Nations League at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, kicking off at 7.45pm. The game comes more than ten weeks after the Argentina defeat, with Thomas Tuchel's squad beginning its build towards Euro 2028.

Losing Sight Of Who They Were

Losing while playing their own way against Argentina would have stung less, Kane told the Guardian. Going against their own beliefs and still losing made the pain far worse.

He said the squad needs open conversations about how to stay true to their style in the toughest moments against the strongest opposition.

The 33-year-old Bayern Munich striker added that England fell short of their level in other World Cup games too, not only the Argentina defeat.

Worse Than Qatar, Worse Than Rome

Kane said the manner of the Argentina loss hurt more than his missed penalty in the 2022 World Cup quarter-final against France. That had been his previous low point with England.

He was also part of the England squad beaten by Italy on penalties in the Euro 2020 final at Wembley.

According to the Sun, Kane could not bring himself to watch the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain. He played golf in New York instead.

Moving On Under Pressure

Healing has to happen while football carries on regardless, with no time to process a result before international football moves straight on to the next assignment, Kane told the Guardian.

Thomas Tuchel, England's manager, addressed the squad at St George's Park on Tuesday. His message, Kane said, was one of continuation rather than a fresh start. The team has already built plenty of good habits, he added.

Facing The World Champions At Wembley

Saturday's fixture against Spain gives Kane an immediate chance to make a statement before Euro 2028 qualifying intensifies. That pain has not gone, Kane said. He wants to turn it into motivation.