Harry Kane isn’t keen on the idea of being rested against Belgium as he guns for the Golden Boot but will accept any decision made by England manager Gareth Southgate.
The Tottenham star scored a hat-trick during England’s 6-1 win over Panama on Sunday, including two penalties and a deflected effort, to take his tally for the tournament up to five – he is currently the leading goalscorer at the World Cup ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo.
By beating Panama, England qualified for the knockout stages ahead of their final group game against Roberto Martinez’s Belgium.
As a result, there have been suggestions Southgate will consider resting a number of key players for the Belgium match in order to avoid injury and fitness issues ahead of the Round of 16.
But Kane, who has emerged as genuine contender to win the Golden Boot, says he wants to play against Belgium so he can keep scoring goals to help the team win.
“I want to continue, the form I’m in, but whatever decision the gaffer makes we’ll get behind,” said the 24-year-old, according to Sky Sports.
“That’s his decision, I guess, but obviously I want to play. The most important thing is always winning games, and if my goals help my team win then that’s the perfect situation.
“There’s a long way to go and a lot of good players just behind me [on the list]. Hopefully I can just continue and take it into Thursday’s game.”
Kane has now scored 18 goals in 26 appearances for the Three Lions. He went into the World Cup on the back of his best ever goalscoring season for Spurs, finding the net 41 times in 48 appearances across all competitions.
The striker signed a new six-year contract with Tottenham earlier this month, easing fears he could leave the club this summer.
