World Cup 2018: Harry Kane sets sights on winning the Golden Boot this summer

'As a striker, it is a competition that you want to win – I would be lying if I said I didn't!'

England captain Harry Kane has set his sights on lifting the Golden Boot this summer in Russia as he bids to make amends for his disappointing campaign at the 2016 European Championship.

The World Cup kicks off this week, with Gareth Southgate’s men set to face Tunisia in their opening group game on Monday 18 June

Kane, who has claimed the Premier League Golden Boot in two of his last three seasons at Tottenham, failed to find the back of the next in France two years ago as England laboured to reach the last-16 of the competition before being knocked out by Iceland.

But two years on from that humiliation, with a further 84 goals for club and country under his belt, Kane has admitted he’s now targeting the top prize at this summer’s World Cup.

“As a striker, it is a competition that you want to win – I would be lying if I said I didn’t! In the Premier League I have won it twice and come second twice – hopefully this summer I can do something and get a World Cup one instead,” he said.

Speaking in the wake of England’s comfortable 2-1 win over Costa Rica at Elland Road, the England captain also opened on his life-long love for the Three Lions and desire to captain the side.

“It was always an England kit for me, rather than a club shirt,” he added. “My mates used to buy Real Madrid or Barcelona shirts when we were on holiday in Spain but I was always England.

“I was very passionate, my older brother Charlie was very passionate – we were big England fans. We had a lot of heartache in the past, but I am very proud to represent my country.

“I captained my Sunday League team the Spurs youth team and occasionally wore the armband as vice-captain for Spurs. I have always been a player who wants to push players and make them and myself better. I like to lead by example.”