Harry Kane sends ‘believe’ message ahead of major England showdown
Harry Kane has sent the England Under-21s words of encouragement before their European Championship final clash against Germany.
Lee Carsley’s Young Lions are vying to retain their Euros title as they go head-to-head with Antonio di Salvio’s side in Slovakia on Saturday, 28 June.
England navigated their way through to the final via an impressive 2-1 semi-final victory over the Netherlands on Wednesday, 25 June.
Harvey Elliott was the star of the show as he bagged a brace against the Netherlands, but Germany could pose a different challenge on Saturday, having already beaten Carsley’s men in the group stages.
Kane takes to social media to encourage England Under-21s
England striker Kane enjoyed a prolific season for Bayern Munich last campaign, firing them to the Bundesliga title by scoring 26 goals in 31 German top-flight appearances.
Meanwhile, posting about Carsley’s side on Instagram [28 June], the Three Lions’ official account shared: “Tonight. 8pm. One final game.”
Senior team captain Kane commented: “Good luck, boys!
“Believe in yourselves and bring that trophy home.”
Nick Woltemade battle holds the key for Young Lions
Football Insider verdict
Even though Carsley’s side are the defending Under-21 Euro champions, they have arguably defied expectations by reaching this summer’s final in Bratislava.
| Opponent | Result |
| Germany | 1-2 L |
| Spain | 1-3 W |
| Netherlands | 2-1 W |
England’s preparations for the tournament were hindered by the fact that previous key players Liam Delap and Jobe Bellingham joined Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund from Ipswich Town and Sunderland, respectively, and are consequently playing in this summer’s Club World Cup instead of representing the Young Lions.
Carsley’s side were viewed by many as the underdogs heading into their quarter-final clash with Spain on Saturday, 21 June, but emerged as 3-1 winners thanks to goals from James McAtee, Elliott, and Elliot Anderson.
But beating Germany in the final will hinge on whether England can deal with the threat provided by Stuttgart striker Nick Woltemade, who has notched an impressive return of six goals in four appearances in the Under-21 Euros.
The 23-year-old boasts an imposing presence at youth international at 6ft 6in, and could prove difficult for the likes of Charlie Cresswell to mark.