Major trophy is ‘the missing piece’ for England–Kane

By Charles Maduka

England captain Harry Kane says winning a major trophy is the final step for the current Three Lions team as they continue their quest for World Cup glory.

England booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway, setting up a last-four clash with Argentina.

The Three Lions have not won a major trophy since lifting the World Cup on home soil in 1966. Between that triumph and 2018, England reached only two major tournament semi-finals, at the 1990 World Cup and Euro 1996.

However, England have now reached the semi-finals of four major tournaments in the last eight years, including two World Cups, while also finishing runners-up at the last two European Championships.

Kane, who was part of the England side beaten by Croatia in the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, believes the team is close to ending its long wait for silverware.

“It’s been an extremely successful era of our national team,” Kane said.

“Of course, we want to get over the line. That is the missing piece now.

“We’re knocking on the door. We’re getting to these semi-finals and finals. It’s a big week. We’ve got eight days left in this tournament.

“We’ve been together six weeks and shown every bit of desire for the badge, and we’re going to need an even bigger push now for the last week or so.

“Ultimately, we are in a World Cup semi-final and that has not always been the case for this national team, so we have to enjoy it.”

England will face long-time rivals Argentina in the semi-finals as they continue their pursuit of a place in the final.

According to Opta’s tournament projections, England have a 50.9 per cent chance of reaching the final and a 21.9 per cent chance of winning the World Cup. Argentina have a 20.6 per cent chance of lifting the trophy, while Spain (23.5 per cent) and France (34.1 per cent) are rated as the two leading favourites.

England also take confidence from their recent record against Argentina. Excluding penalty shootouts, the Three Lions are unbeaten in their last five meetings with the South American side, recording two wins and three draws.

England have won each of the last two meetings between the countries, with the most recent ending in a 3-2 friendly victory in November 2005, thanks to a Michael Owen brace and a goal from Wayne Rooney.