Harry Kane said his performance in England’s 3-0 win over Czech Republic will not influence the Ballon d’Or voting because the process had already closed.
Kane scored twice and supplied an assist in the fourth round of the UEFA Nations League A fixture at Wembley, equalling Peter Shilton’s England record of 125 appearances and taking his international goal tally to 91.
Speaking to beIN Sports after the match, Kane described the evening as “incredible” and said helping England win at Wembley was the ideal way to mark the milestone.
“You don’t expect these things, but I think it’s the result of a lot of hard training, effort, and belief in myself,” he said.
“To equal the England caps record is far beyond my wildest imagination. As I said, to increase my England goal tally to 91 and help the team win again at Wembley is the perfect way to celebrate this record.”
Asked whether the timing of his performance had been planned to strengthen his Ballon d’Or claim, Kane replied: “The voting has already closed, so it actually doesn’t make much difference now. We can only wait for the results.”
The England captain said his biggest satisfaction was maintaining the form he showed last season.
“I’ve always said that I’m in good form,” he added. “For me, the most satisfying thing is that I’ve carried last season’s form into this year. At this level, consistency is one of the most important things and the difference between top players and others.”
Kane also reflected on his England career, saying his debut remained one of his favourite matches after he scored soon after coming on. He credited his family, friends, team-mates and coaching staff for helping him reach his current position.
“I’m very grateful to them; they helped me achieve what I have,” he said. “And we’re not done yet. I’m in a good phase now, and I know everyone will continue to push me, and I will continue to push myself.”
England’s victory followed a difficult summer in which they lost to Argentina in the semi-finals before finishing third. Kane said the latest training camp, which included two and a half weeks of work together, had helped the team rebuild its confidence under Thomas Tuchel.
The striker said England had performed well in parts of their defeat by Spain despite not getting the desired result, and that the players must now remain committed to their own approach rather than adapt constantly to opponents.
He said England’s style was based on physical intensity and playing at a Premier League pace, adding that the team’s attacking players and midfielders meant they should always pose a threat.
