Nations League Success Would Top 2018 World Cup Run – Harry Kane

Three Lions captain Harry Kane believes that clinching the Nations League trophy would be greater success than finishing 4th in the previous World Cup in Russia.

Can England win the Nations League?

England surpassed all expectations from online sportsbooks in UK and fans alike last summer when they reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Under manager Gareth Southgate, the Three Lions sealed a 4th-place finish at the tournament; having failed to reach the latter stages in previous World Cups, it was an achievement that was beyond their dreams.

But Kane is setting his sights on silverware in the Nations League, which he feels would go beyond what they’ve done in 2018.

“If we win the Nations League, I think it will top it,” said the Tottenham striker. “It’s not very often you have to chance to win a trophy in an England shirt. If we have a good summer and win that trophy, in my eyes it’s a better year.”

“2018 was fantastic but the main thing for me is the team, trying to win things and we have a chance this year.”

The 25-year-old also highlighted on their adventure in the 2018 World Cup – which saw him collect the Golden Boot with 6 strikes – which has given them great experience that they’re aiming to build on with their relatively young squad.

“People expect us to do well and before the World Cup there were no expectations. It’s great that we’ve turned that around and it’s up to us as players to use that experience we have had to manage the expectations now. I think we have handled it (with weight of expectations) really well since the World Cup.”

Bet on England to win the Nations League

England take on the Netherlands in the semi-finals of the Nations League on June 6, while a day before that Portugal will play against Switzerland. Subsequently, the third-place play-off and the final itself is scheduled to be played on the same day – June 9.

Providers of internet betting in UK are giving England favourites status 7/4 (2.75) to win the first edition of the Nations League, while European champions Portugal are second in the running with odds of 2/1 (3.00). The reinvigorated Dutch side 3/1 (4.00) are right behind them, while Switzerland 6/1 (7.00) remain outsiders in the competition.

(Check out Bet365 Sportsbook review for more info about the online betting site.)

But before the Three Lions take their part in the final stages of the Nations League, they’re set to play EURO 2020 qualifiers against Czech Republic at Wembley (H 2/7 (1.28) D 4/1 (5.00) A 10/1 (11.00)) and Montenegro on the road (H 11/2 (6.50) D 4.00 (3/1) A 6/11 (1.53)).

With the highly promising and talented squad they have and the experience they gained at the previous major tournament, England could really achieve something in the inaugural Nations League, especially since they’re guided by the charismatic Gareth Southgate. It remains to be seen whether this will be the year the Three Lions finally triumph or whether they’ll have to wait for silverware yet again.