England manager Gareth Southgate has called Harry Kane's leadership “particularly good” with the likes of Jordan Henderson and Harry Maguire missing from the Three Lions at Uefa Euro 2024.
Kane has faced criticism for his performance, with speculation that the 30-year-old, who was sent off during his side's semi-final win over the Netherlands, was injured.
Defenders Kieran Trippier, Lewis Dunk and Kyle Walker are the only players in the squad over 30, and Southgate believes Kane has “grown up a lot” as one of a small number of players with significant international experience.
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Harry Kane: Euro 2024 captain 'sets an example'
“We've lost a few experienced leaders injured – Henderson, Maguire, for example,” Southgate told UEFA.com.
“Therefore, a lot has fallen in his lap, but he succeeded well in that challenge. I must say, in the last few weeks, he has been particularly outstanding, more aware than ever of the importance of the team.”
Kane said his desire is to “always try to be a leader”. “I always try to set an example,” he added. “That's what a team is: when everyone is fighting for the same side.
“Everyone is trying to achieve the same goal. There are no egos involved. It is what it is [that] we want anyone to make a difference.”
England vs Spain: Kane top scorer
Bayern Munich striker Kane scored England's opening goal in their 1-1 group stage draw with Denmark, headed home an extra-time winner to beat Slovakia in the round of 16 and scored a penalty to draw level with Oranje.
The former Tottenham talisman is the joint-scorer in the final and he celebrated his replacement, Ollie Watkins, after the Aston Villa striker scored the winner in the 90th minute in a 2-1 win.
“I don't remember what I said to him, but he probably deserved it,” said Kane.
“Credit to Ollie – it's not easy not to start. It's not easy to wait for your chance, so to come in and take that chance like he did, when he finished, it was a credit to him and a big success to the team.”
England face Spain, who have won all six of their games in the competition, in the final at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on Sunday (20:00 BST).
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