England’s captain, Harry Kane, said he was inspired by Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Erling Haaland ahead of the team’s opening clash against Croatia. The Three Lions registered a convincing 4-2 win against the European team, with Kane continuing his rich form to score a brace.

Ahead of England’s match, Lionel Messi scored his maiden World Cup hat-trick against Algeria, whereas Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland scored a brace against Senegal and Iraq, respectively.

However, Kane insisted his focus remained on himself and his nation.

“Obviously, I saw the guys scoring their goals and I don’t like to concentrate too much on other people but I think it’s natural as a sportsman, as an athlete, to try and reach the highest levels, and obviously all those guys started in a great way,” Kane said.

Kane said the squad had been eager to get onto the pitch: “[We have] been waiting long enough to kind of just play the game — we had to wait six days, so I think everyone’s just been itching to get out there.”

The veteran forward said the tough competition among the high-class forwards motivates him to keep improving his game.

Kane said: “I think as a striker myself obviously I want to get on the scoresheet as early as possible so think in the back of my mind that competition helps me to push my levels.”

Kane was happy to make an immediate impact for his team, adding: “You know, that’s what the World Cup’s for, for the best players to perform at the the highest levels — so it’s nice to get a couple, for sure.”

On the other hand, England’s boss Thomas Tuchel revealed he told his players to calm down during the break when the score was tied 2-2 against Croatia.

“I gave them quiet time for themselves — told them to calm down — we just conceded a goal, to calm down, calm their nerves and encourage them to do it our way,” Tuchel said.

England will next take on Ghana in Foxborough, Massachusetts, in Group L on Tuesday.