Antonio Conte confesses he is an England supporter for World Cup due to Tottenham star Harry Kane
Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte has revealed that he will be backing England at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar because of Harry Kane.
With no Italy at the tournament due to their failure to qualify, the former Inter Milan manager says he will be keeping a close eye on the Three Lions because of his star striker.
Speaking after his team’s dramatic 3-2 win against Leeds United in the Premier League on Saturday (12 November), Conte said [h/t Fotball.London]:
“I think he [Harry Kane] feels a lot of responsibility because he’s the captain of England. I consider England to be one of the best teams in the world, one of the candidates to have an important tournament.”
“For this reason, I know he wants to play an amazing tournament. I wish for him the best and for England because Italy is not playing in the World Cup and for this reason I can become a supporter of England!”
England last won the FIFA World Cup in 1966 but came close to winning it four years ago in Russia when they faced Croatia in the semi-final. Kane finished as the top-scorer in the tournament and won the Golden Boot.
But the image of Kane shooting at goal despite an open Raheem Sterling in front of Croatia’s goal only to have his shot saved from a tight angle will haunt Three Lions fans to date.
He has the chance to set things right at the tournament. Conte will have another reason to back manager Gareth Southgate’s team.
Eric Dier has also been named in the 26-man squad flying to Qatar. In fact, many would expect him to start in England’s backline given the poor form of Harry Maguire.
More Tottenham Hotspur News:
- Antonio Conte gives clear verdict on his Tottenham Hotspur future
- Opponent Watch: Leeds United could be without three players including Patrick Bamford for Tottenham Hotspur clash
- Spurs Transfer News: Tottenham to keep a close eye on Uruguay star Manuel Ugarte at 2022 FIFA World Cup
The Three Lions start their campaign against Iran later this month before taking on Wales and the USMNT.
