World Cup 2018: Harry Kane talks up the togetherness of the England 'family' ahead of Sweden quarter-final

Kane is effusive in his praise of the unity within the camp, and how important it has been in getting the team this far

Harry Kane has hailed the England squad as his “brothers” ahead of tomorrow’s World Cup quarter-final with Sweden.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference in Samara, England captain Kane spoke in glowing terms about the unity within the camp, and how important it has been in getting the team this far.

Fabian Delph used the word “brothers” when talking about his return to the England camp from the birth of his daughter in the UK earlier this week. And Kane spoke in similar terms about his “family” in the England camp today.

“We are just like family, really,” Kane said. “We’ve spent a lot of time together. We all get on very well. I spoke about the togetherness and trust before the tournament, but we always want to prove it on the pitch. We have done that so far. It’s made us even stronger.”

“After that game the other night the joy in everyone’s face, we had worked so hard to come through that, and it makes us even more proud of each other. I look at them as my brothers, and I know they look at me the same. We will do anything for each other and that is what we have to do for the rest of the tournament.”

Despite the draining experience of Tuesday evening in Moscow, when England needed extra time and penalties to beat Colombia, Kane was confident the team would not be tired for Saturday. Because of the “energy” they would take from winning that game in the way that they did.

“Definitely you get a hunger because of the other night,” Kane said. “When you go through a battle like that and come through as winners, it gives you so much energy and so much belief to go and do it again. The feeling after is amazing. So We’re hungry for more. We want that feeling. If it goes to extra-time and penalties, we’ll be ready for that. If we can win in 90 minutes then, great, but We’re ready to do whatever it takes.”

Kane has hailed England's team spirit (EPA)

Gareth Southgate confirmed that Kyle Walker and Ashley Young trained fully in Zelenogorsk this morning although Jamie Vardy could only take part in a light session and is a doubt to face Sweden.

“In terms of fitness, we just need to check with Vardy again in the morning,” Southgate said. “He completed what we hoped he would today, but slightly separate from the team. We’ll just check if there is any reaction to that. Everyone else trained."