England will face Spain at Wembley to begin their new Nations League campaign. Ahead of the match, captain Harry Kane discussed his feelings following the World Cup semi-final exit and the team's performance in a press conference, touching on the Ballon d'Or, contract extension negotiations with Bayern Munich, and other topics. This article is the first part of the press conference.

Before we discuss this important match, I'd like to ask you about the Ballon d'Or. I apologize for asking about a topic so directly related to you, but statistics, records, and goals have driven you for many years, and you've consistently worked to improve and measure your progress. This seems to be your best opportunity to win the Ballon d'Or, and perhaps your closest chance yet. Do you see it that way?

It is my best opportunity at the moment. We'll see if such opportunities come again in the future. But I'm certain that up until now, this is my best chance during my career. I spoke openly about it last season. Personally, I'm confident this has been my best year. From a team perspective, the trophies we've won or the team's performance this season has also been the best.

Winning the Ballon d'Or would be an incredible achievement. I'm aware there has been much discussion, and the results will continue to be discussed until the announcement next month. That's part of it. If I do win, I would be very proud. Last year I achieved many things to be proud of. But as I always say, ultimately it depends on others' decisions—how they view the players and how they assessed last season's performances. So we'll see what happens. I know this won't be the last time I speak about the Ballon d'Or. The results will be announced in about a month. Right now, I'm focused on helping England get a win tomorrow night.

This might be a difficult question to answer. Harry, do you think you deserve the Ballon d'Or?

That's why I'm trying to avoid answering that... (laughs)

Fair enough, mate. I first met you since the World Cup, and we've had time to reflect on that tournament. England took many positives from it, but the semi-final exit was frustrating. Antony Gordon made an interesting point yesterday—he agreed with the view that Thomas Tuchel's England should play to their strengths. We can't control the ball like Spain, so we should use our physical and pace advantages. As you can imagine, this has generated considerable discussion among journalists and fans, especially since your players often play this style for their club teams. What's your take on this?

I understand his point completely. Spain's style of play has become part of their football culture. From five, six, or seven years old, they play with a specific system and methodology all the way through to becoming professional players. England's situation is different.

That's not to say we can't control possession or handle the ball under pressure. We have technically skilled players who can do these things. However, we have many advantages they don't have—physical attributes, pace, and power. Before the World Cup, many people discussed the physical challenges England would face, but I felt then that it was one of our greatest strengths. Our pressing game, pressure management, and one-on-one dominance reflect certain characteristics of Premier League football.

So I think tomorrow we'll see England demonstrate these qualities. When we're at our best, we can blend both styles. We won't play exactly like Spain. Their football is excellent, but we have many advantages to showcase tomorrow—more direct play, running from deep, and in modern football, set-pieces and other distinctive characteristics.

I believe it's important to have our own identity rather than simply trying to copy other teams. Yes, you can take elements from different teams and perform well when playing for your club. But ultimately, we need to play like England, showcase our own characteristics, especially in important matches.

Harry, I'd like to ask about your future and contract. I know your contract with Bayern Munich ends this year and you're in discussions about an extension. Can you give us an update on progress? You're in the best form of your career as the season starts, but you're also facing uncertainty about your future. How are you managing both?

The negotiations are progressing well and I've been open about it throughout. We're still in communication and everything is heading in the right direction. Both sides are relaxed because I think everyone can see how happy I am there. My performance on the pitch and what I say off it both reflect this. I've always been straightforward about it. So I'm hopeful both sides will reach agreement.

Regarding how it affects me mentally, I think I'm going about things normally. I prefer to take things season by season. Contract-wise, I have nine months remaining, so from that perspective, nothing has fundamentally changed. That said, during this training camp, I'm more focused on England. I can put contract discussions to the side temporarily, and my team will continue to handle them. I think a decision should be made within about a month, and I'm confident it will be a positive outcome.

The question is, you've spent years emphasizing recovery and rehabilitation. Now in your early thirties, most would say a player at this age is nearing the end of their career, yet you're in excellent form. After years of dedicated recovery efforts, are you seeing the rewards now?

Absolutely, 100 percent. Recovery is extremely important in our sport, especially with modern competition schedules where there's barely a break between seasons. Three weeks off, then back at it. So recovery has become the most critical component.

I built strong foundations from a young age. I'm grateful for the good people around me and the excellent support systems. That allowed me to learn early about nutrition, recovery, gym work, and maintaining fitness. I believe these things have brought me to where I am today and are why I feel so good right now.

Over the past decade or so, football and sport in general have changed. There's been more discussion about athletic performance and a better understanding of recovery's role. In the future, I wouldn't be surprised if more players maintain elite performance for longer. Ronaldo, Modrić, Messi, and Lewandowski are examples. They're in their early thirties, nearing forty, and still performing exceptionally. That's a goal for me too.

Sometimes players reaching this age might start thinking about when their career will end. But why not keep pushing until your body or mind truly can't anymore? Tom Brady is one of my inspirations—he played at the elite level until age 44. That shows it's possible in sports. Yes, it requires tremendous effort, and at a certain age it might require even more. But I enjoy this part of the work. I genuinely believe these efforts have brought me to the excellent position I'm in right now.

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