England captain Harry Kane is encouraging his teammates to play with confidence, freedom, and courage as the Three Lions set out to end their long wait for World Cup success.

England will kick off their World Cup campaign against Croatia in Dallas, aiming to win the tournament for the first time since their famous victory in 1966.

Kane, one of the team’s most experienced players, knows what it takes to compete in big tournaments. The Bayern Munich striker has led England to a World Cup semi-final, a European Championship final, and other strong finishes, but the top prize has always just slipped away.

In an interview with talkSPORT before England’s first match, Kane highlighted how important it is to enjoy the moment and play without fear.

“We’re here to go far in the tournament. That’s our objective, and that’s what we’re striving for,” Kane said.

At 32, Kane said players should focus on expressing themselves and giving their best, instead of worrying about mistakes or outside opinions.

“I think the biggest regret you can have after a tournament is not giving everything and not fully going for it.

“You can make mistakes, you can miss penalties like I have, but those aren’t the things that keep you awake at night.”

Kane’s words mean even more because of his own experiences, like missing a penalty in England’s quarter-final loss to France at the 2022 World Cup.

Even after that tough moment, he believes it’s easier to accept mistakes than to regret not giving everything.

“It’s the moments when you feel you could have offered more, been more expressive, or just taken the chance to go for it that stay with you.”

England come to North America as one of the favorites, with a talented squad that includes Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Cole Palmer, and Kane’s proven goal-scoring ability.

Even with high expectations, Kane says the team needs to stay fearless no matter what happens.

“When you lose, you lose. It doesn’t matter how it happens—the result is the same.

“I’d rather lose knowing I gave everything and showed my best qualities. Even if mistakes happen, I’d rather go out that way.”

Kane finished with a clear and powerful message for his teammates.

“The message is to play freely, trust yourselves, and not be afraid of any outcome. If we do that, we’ll give ourselves a great chance.”

Kane and the Three Lions are heading into the tournament determined to play with confidence, handle the pressure, and make sure they have no regrets as they go after a long-awaited second World Cup title.

England have been drawn in Group L alongside Ghana, Panama, and Croatia.