Harry Kane admits England ‘lacked a bit of magic’ against Slovenia | OneFootball

Harry Kane insists England were an improved side in their goalless draw with Slovenia, but admits they were lacking in the final third on Tuesday.

Even though the Three Lions ensured they will progress to the knockout stage of Euro 2024 as group winner with a point from their third game, the performance left a lot to be desired.

Kane failed to put away their best chance of the match in the 40th minute on a night where England had 12 shots on goal, accumulating just 0.87 expected goals.

The Bayern Munich striker could not deny that the national team were poor when it came to creating and putting away their chances.

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“It was a difficult night but I think it was our best performance out of the three,” Kane told BBC Radio 5 Live. “We had more energy, we pressed better, counter pressed better, did better with the ball.

“We just lacked a big of magic in the final third but that will come. Another clean sheet which we will need if we are to go far in the tournament. We enjoy it and move on.”

He continued: “All three performances have started in their own ways. Serbia we started well, Denmark we didn’t start so well, today we didn’t start great but we grew into the game.

“We started to create more as the game went on and the subs made a real difference, they brought a lot of energy. We just couldn’t find that final finish.”

England have now won just two of their last eight international matches – against Bosnia-Herzegovina in a friendly and Serbia at Euro 2024 – but Kane reckons fans will see a different team in the next phase of the competition.

“If you look at previous tournaments we have played our best football in the knockout rounds,” he pointed out. “Last Euros against Germany, Ukraine and Denmark, so for sure there is more to come.

“Always the objective is to get through the group without any mishaps. We can improve, we know that, but you have to enjoy these moments when you finish top.”

England do not yet know the identity of their round of 16 opponents, but Kane says that it will be “difficult no matter who we play”.

“Looking across the groups there have been some tough battles, there are no easy games now in these competitions. The important part of the tournament starts now, where it all counts and hopefully we can build some momentum.”

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