Harry Kane says he is feeling fit and as fresh as ever as he looks forward to England's first game of the season.
Speaking from the Three Lions’ training camp at St. George’s Park as they prepare for a European Qualifying double-header, the Tottenham Hotspur striker insisted he has no fitness concerns despite a busy 12 months.
Kane played 56 times for club and country, which included the Under-21 European Championship in June, and has started all four games for the White Hart Lane outfit this campaign.
San Marino v England
UEFA EURO 2016 Qualifier
5pm, Saturday 5 September 2015
San Marino Stadium, Serravalle
Live on ITV
But he believes he has the perfect mentor in Wayne Rooney to advise him on balancing domestic and international football.
“I’m definitely fresh,” he said. “I had a few weeks off after the tournament. I got away, cleared the mind and reflected on last season.
"I’ve come back in good shape and I feel as fit as ever to be honest.
“I’m 100 per cent healthy and I think my game hasn’t dropped compared to last season in terms of the distance I’ve run.
"So I’m in really good shape and I’m just excited for the games ahead.”
Harry Kane talks to the press
Kane met up with the England squad on Tuesday ahead of their games against San Marino and Switzerland as they look to maintain their 100 per cent record on the road to France.
Despite having a shorter summer break than usual, and a Europa League campaign with Spurs on the horizon, he is ready for the challenges that await.
His fellow striker Rooney is also, he says, a fine example of how best to balance league, European and international action.
And the 22-year-old has plans to take advice from the Manchester United forward.
Harry Kane replaced Wayne Rooney to make his England debut in March 2015
“When you look at someone like Wayne who has played for club and country for so many years and done well, it shows that it can be done,” he continued.
“I’ve got to use that experience in my game and it can only help me move forward.
“I’m sure I’ll get to talk to him as the week goes on and I’ll be able to pick his brain and see how he dealt with it. See what he’s done to keep fit and in good shape and try to use that to help me.”
Rooney, of course, has his sights set on breaking Sir Bobby Charlton’s all-time international goalscoring record in the forthcoming Euro 2016 qualifiers.
His young apprentice took the opportunity to praise his captain, and tipped him to go and eclipse the 45-year-old record.
“He’s a world class player. It’s great to be able to train with him and learn from him.”
Harry Kane on Wayne Rooney
“He’s an incredible talent,” added Kane.
“Everyone is excited for him and hopefully he can break the England goal record on this trip. That would be great. I’m sure he’s excited as well.
“He’s a world class player and he trains very hard to be where he is. It’s great to be able to train with him and learn from him, he’s an all-round top player and a top man.
“Wayne’s in great shape, he’s still scoring goals and he’s still got many more years to come. So he’s got an opportunity to get quite a few more – it would be great for the nation if he does.”
England take on San Marino on Saturday 5 September, before returning to Wembley Stadium to face Switzerland on Tuesday 8 September at 7.45pm.
Both games are live on ITV.
