Kane says England’s seven-goal Croatia win sends warning to Euro rivals

Harry Kane says England’s 7-0 Nations League victory over Croatia has sent a message to the leading teams in Europe.

Thomas Tuchel’s side produced their biggest win under the manager in Rijeka on Saturday, with Kane and Bukayo Saka both scoring twice.

Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon and Morgan Rogers were also on target as England inflicted Croatia’s heaviest-ever defeat.

The emphatic performance was a marked contrast to England’s passive approach in the closing stages of their World Cup semi-final defeat by Argentina in July, when Tuchel opted for a defensive game plan.

Kane, who has scored 89 goals in 124 internationals, believes the result offered a template for England as they prepare to co-host Euro 2028.

“Even when we were 1-0 up, we went for two, went for three, went for four, and that’s got to be our mentality,” the Bayern Munich striker said.

“When you have a certain style of playing, you can’t just pick and choose when you want to do it. It’s just relentless. It’s non-stop.

“You get four, you want five. You go and have a really hungry mentality.

“That’s needed to change, especially in the bigger games, in the bigger tournaments, and these games will only help us.”

England displayed the speed, composure and movement that had been absent during the latter stages of their World Cup campaign, convincing Kane that the team should not be underestimated by their European rivals.

“We’re playing against a really good side. We can’t take this type of win for granted because it could have been a really tricky game for us,” said the England captain.

“And it’s always just sending messages – not just to yourself, but to the other teams around Europe. I think we’ve done that again.

“We’re hungry. We’re a young team. We have players in amazing form right now, and I think everyone’s just excited to be out there on the pitch.

“Performances like this will only make us more motivated.”

Kane will have the chance to draw level with Peter Shilton as England’s joint highest-capped player when he faces Czech Republic at Wembley on Tuesday. That appearance would take him to 125 caps.

The 33-year-old is also closing in on 100 international goals, with 89 currently to his name.

“It’s coming. It’s 89 now, so obviously, it’s getting closer and closer,” he said.

“We have a special game on Tuesday in terms of the caps, obviously 100 goals is a nice round number and it would be incredible to reach, of course.”