England closing the gap on Spain, says Kane

England's Harry Kane looks dejected after the defeat to Spain. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Harry Kane insists England is close to the level of Spain despite losing its Nations League clash with the world champion.

Thomas Tuchel’s side recovered from a second-minute Lamine Yamal strike to lead at the break thanks to goals from Anthony Gordon and Kane at Wembley on Saturday.

England captain Kane had the chance to make it 3-1, but slipped while taking a penalty that hit the crossbar.

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Spain showed its class to hit back, sealing a 3-2 victory with Alex Baena’s equaliser and Mikel Oyarzabal’s winner.

But Kane is adamant England showed enough to prove it can match the World Cup and European Championship holder.

“I think we’re close, without a doubt,” he said. “I think anyone who watched that game will see that.

“They have the trophies to back it up, so until we do that, we can only use words. We have to show it on the pitch.”

England was beaten by Spain in the Euro 2024 final and missed out on a final rematch at the World Cup after losing to Argentina in the semifinals.

Kane is sure England’s performance against Spain on Saturday will have left an impression on the world champion.

“We showed a lot of good things on the pitch, but in the big moments, we didn’t quite have it,” the Bayern Munich striker said.

“But we’re top four in the world. We finished third in the World Cup, so without a doubt, we’re close, and I think they would have felt that out there today for sure.”