Harry Kane says England must not focus on World Cup failures

Harry Kane says England must "believe it can be different" at the World Cup if they are to end their 52-year run without silverware.

England last lifted a trophy at the 1966 World Cup and have since struggled to recreate such success - only progressing to the semi-final stage of major tournaments.

However, England's captain says Gareth Southgate's youthful squad must not become distracted by their previous record on the biggest stage.

"The main thing is to believe it can be different, it's been tough for the last 50 years because we haven't won anything," said Kane.

"For us [the key thing] is to stay focused on ourselves, not to worry about the teams in the past and things like that. We are our own team, we have our own identity and we just have to look forward and enjoy it.

"We can't wait to get out there and get started."

England have the worst World Cup record in penalty shootouts - failing to win on three occasions.

"We have been practising penalties, not every session, but every now and then the coaches will throw it in at the end of the session when we are maybe a little bit fatigued in games after extra-time, the lads are tired, that's when it's going to happen," he added.

"Every now and then we've been doing it. We haven't spoken about it too much, with that I think it's about being free in your mind, picking where you want to go and go with it."

via Sky Sports