Harry Kane: England can prove themselves against Spain after Croatia win

Harry Kane says England have the “perfect opportunity” to show their quality against Spain after securing an important 2-1 victory over Croatia in the UEFA Nations League.

England moved on to 12 points with the win in the fifth round of the group stage, leaving them second in Group C, three points behind Spain. Croatia remain third on three points.

Morgan Rogers and Kane scored for England, while Petar Sucic was on target for Croatia.

Speaking to ITV, England captain Kane praised the reception from the supporters but said the focus quickly turned to securing the result once the match began.

“It was a great gesture and an amazing welcome at the start of the game, but once the match begins it is about winning and taking the three points,” said Kane, who plays for Bayern Munich.

England were tested by a Croatia side determined to make an impression, but Kane felt his team produced a strong performance for much of the contest.

“We faced a strong team that wanted to prove something tonight,” he said. “I think we performed well for long periods of the game. We felt a little tired towards the end, but overall it was a great win, and that sets up a big match on Sunday.”

England will face Spain in their next fixture, having lost the previous meeting between the sides at home. Kane believes that defeat showed England they were capable of more.

“Definitely, 100%,” he said when asked whether England could beat Spain. “After the first match, which we lost here against them, we knew we could have performed better.”

Kane said England had set themselves the target of winning every match before reaching the next meeting with Spain.

“We said to ourselves, ‘Let’s win every game until we reach the next match and then see what happens,’” he added. “Now we have the perfect opportunity on Sunday to prove ourselves.”

The victory over Croatia was England’s latest step in their group campaign and kept them within three points of leaders Spain. Croatia’s defeat left them on three points in third place.