Mueez Ajao
– Harry Kane will have “added motivation” against Italy on Thursday as he bids to break Wayne Rooney’s goalscoring record, says Gareth Southgate.
– Kane has scored 53 goals for England, equal with men’s record holder Rooney.
– The Euro 2024 qualifier in Naples is England’s first match since their World Cup quarter-final defeat to France, in which Kane missed a late penalty.
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– “We have seen in his performances for his club he has put it behind him,” manager Southgate said.
– “I know he will have will have added motivation tomorrow night to come back and show everyone what he is about again in an England shirt.”
– The match in Italy marks the start of England’s qualification campaign for the next major tournament in Germany the summer of 2024.
– After reaching the semi-final of the 2018 World Cup and the final of Euro 2020, where they lost to the Italians, England are among the favourites for the tournament but Southgate said their past results will be “irrelevant” on Thursday.
– “We have to have the humility to work hard and qualify again,” Southgate said.
– “It is a great fixture to get that under way.”
– Forward Marcus Rashford, goalkeeper Nick Pope and midfielder Mason Mount pulled out of England’s squad with injury but Southgate said the rest of his 23-strong squad are fit to face Italy, who themselves missed out on qualification for the World Cup after winning Euro 2020.
– Security has been much talked about in the build-up with a friendly match between England and Italy fans called off over safety concerns.
– Last week, eight football fans were arrested after violence flared between Eintracht Frankfurt and Napoli supporters before and after their Champions League match.
– Southgate played down the issue, saying he was “excited” to travel to the city.
– “I have never been to Naples before and the history of football here is really rich,” he said.
– “I am excited about playing in a city that loves football, with a great history.
– “I can just about remember [Diego] Maradona when they [Napoli] won the league.
– “Always we ask our fans to be good tourists and respect the local culture and we hope the game and the next couple of days passes with no problems.”
