Kane and Pickford on 'buzz' of fan support

Harry Kane and Jordan Pickford reflected on a ‘top performance’ as England ran out 4-2 winners over Croatia, speaking on the latest episode of Lions' Den connected by EE.

The Three Lions got up and running in Dallas with Kane becoming England’s joint top scorer in the tournament, equalling Gary Lineker’s ten goals by bagging a first-half brace.

And Pickford made some crucial saves to ensure Thomas Tuchel’s side put three points on the board.

“We were ready and we knew were taking the challenge on,” said Pickford. “I remember my first one against Tunisia in 2018.

“Quite a nerve-wracking atmosphere around the group but I think this manager and his staff have got that atmosphere right.

“We conceded two goals which is not like us as England but we knew we had enough in the tank and in the second half, we got going and we dominated.”

“For me personally, there’s a lot of build-up, up until the first game, for sure,” added Kane.

“This one was a bit different for both of us where we’ve had to wait so long to play. Normally, we’re playing within the first few days of the tournament starting. We’ve had to wait six days and watch everyone else play, itching to get out there ourselves.”

Captain Kane’s retaken penalty got the Three Lions off the mark with just 12 minutes played but the skipper always backs himself.

“Before the game, I did my research and I knew that the keeper liked to take a big step forward, so I knew if I stuttered, there was a chance he’d come off the line,” explained Kane.

“Obviously, I still wanted to score. I’m really hoping that I’d get another chance, especially to start the tournament like that and the momentum of the game. I knew it was a big moment for us.

“Once I got the second opportunity then it’s calming the nerves down again and the mindset is a bit more maybe mind games with the goalkeeper, where he’s going to go and where thinks I’m going to go. I was really happy to see the second one go in!”

And stopper Pickford highlighted the unwavering support of the travelling fans and the role it plays for the team.

“We buzz of it – you see at the end of the game,” said Pickford. “It gives us that added edge, that atmosphere – we all thrive off it.

“When they’re coming out in full force like they are, I think it’s only going to get better, as well. Over the next two games, we’ll see a lot more numbers coming over.

“We all love it. We’re all passionate people and we know English fans are passionate. It drives us. It doesn’t go unnoticed. But we’ve got to turn up for them to enjoy the experience even more.”

For Kane, this marks his sixth tournament while for Pickford, it is his fifth.

The duo cut two of the more experienced figures in the squad and it’s a role they’re relishing.

“It probably dates back to 2018,” commented Kane. “That was the first time we really started to get the togetherness as we wanted it. It’s been something we’ve been really big on in the past with Gareth and the squads that we wanted.

“This one feels a little bit different. I think our role has changed a little bit, being the more experienced guys and the older guys.

“There’s not many players from those early tournaments in the squad, so there’s a freshness about it where you can really see a hunger and a desire and an excitement from the players in the team just to be part of what could be a special summer.”