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Ben Hayward

Harry Kane to end trophy drought? England captain targets 'respect of footballing world' for Three Lions in Euro 2024 final vs Spain

Harry Kane celebrates after scoring for England against the Netherlands in the semi-finals of Euro 2024.

Harry Kane has said he would swap everything in his career for a first major trophy with England on Sunday night and hopes the Three Lions can earn the "respect of the footballing world" with victory over Spain in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin.

Kane has famously never won a trophy in his entire career, having missed out on the major prizes with Tottenham, England and last season at Bayern Munich.

With the Three Lions, Kane came close three years ago as Gareth Southgate's side were beaten by penalties in the final of Euro 2020, which was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Back in the final this time, the captain is hoping for a different outcome.

Why England FINALLY Came Good Against The Netherlands

Speaking ahead of the game, he said: "It would mean everything. It would be the most incredible feeling. For the fans to have that moment in history and celebrate that, it would be special.

"We have been here before, it was a tough finish in the last Euros, there’s extra hunger and fire in our belly to make sure this one goes our way."

Asked if he would swap everything in his career for a trophy on Sunday, he said: "Of course, it's no secret that I haven't won a team trophy.

"Every year that goes by you're more motivated and you're more determined to change that and now I have the opportunity to win one of the biggest trophies you could ever win and to make history with my nation.

England manager Gareth Southgate with Harry Kane after the international friendly match between England and Bosnia & Herzegovina at St James' Park in June 2024. (Image credit: Getty Images)

"I'm extremely proud to be English. I'd swap everything in my career to have a special night by winning [on Sunday]."

The 30-year-old also spoke about changing perceptions of England as he said: "I've travelled to World Cups, European Championships, watching as an observer and watched highlight reels of matches on the big screens - and we weren't in any of them.

"We needed to change that. We had high expectations but they didn't match where we were performance-wise. Now the high expectations are still there but we've had consistent performances, certainly over three of the last four tournaments and a quarter-final in the fourth.

"In the end you have to be in the latter stages of tournaments to learn how to win the big games. A lot of records we have broken but we know we have to do this one, to get this trophy to really feel the respect of the footballing world."

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More Euro 2024 stories

'It's in our hands' – Gareth Southgate on what he wants from England in Euro 2024 final vs Spain

Euro 2024: England's Kyle Walker on how final away from Wembley could benefit Three Lions vs Spain

England hero compares Three Lions to Real Madrid ahead of Euro 2024 final

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