Now it really counts says Kane

Harry Kane has told everyone to take a breath and forget about England’s poor form in the group stage – because it is what comes now that really counts, writes TOM BARCLAY.

Ahead of a last-16 clash with Slovenia fans have been left frustrated by the team’s underwhelming showing at the Euros so far, despite being billed as favourites pre-tournament.

Some even chucked empty pint cups at boss Gareth Southgate after Tuesday’s dismal draw against Slovenia in Cologne.

It followed an unconvincing 1-0 victory over Serbia and a dire 1-1 draw with Denmark – yet England still qualified for the knockouts as Group C winners.

Captain Kane told the FA’s Lions’ Den show: “We’ve done what we had to do, we learn from the games, we learn from mistakes, we take the positives from what we’ve done well but that’s in the past. 

“Now it’s about what we do in the knockouts, that’s what we’re going to be remembered for, that’s what we’ve been remembered for in past tournaments as well. 

“That’s our mindset, we’re relaxed. Today is always a day when you’re taking a deep breath, you’ve got through the group stage, take a breath, have a day to chill. 

“In these major tournaments you’re climbing a mountain, and I feel like we’re halfway up that mountain at a stage where there’s still a way to go and we’ve been away for a while.”