Herbie Kane is up for Nordic challenge with England U17s

Saturday 26 Jul 2014
Herbie Kane is ready for any challenge thrown his way
Herbie Kane says he is "ready for anything" as he targets four wins from four for England at the Nordic U17 Tournament.

Despite his tender age, the Liverpool midfielder already knows a thing or two about overcoming a challenge, and he is ready to help his country conquer another in Denmark this week.

The Bristol-born 15-year-old moved from his home town to Merseyside last year – an understandably difficult step to take for one so young.

England v Iceland

5pm, Monday 28 July 2014
Nordic U17 Tournament
Nr Aaby Stadium, Denmark

 


Although he admits to feeling homesick at first, Kane is now “loving life” having fully settled in Liverpool and says it set him up to take on all challenges he may face in life.

“I was playing at Bristol City's academy since eight, then at 14 I made the move to Liverpool,” Kane told TheFA.com at the England hotel in Kolding, Denmark. “I live in digs with a family and I really like it now that I've settled in.

“It was hard at first but with time you get used to it. It was a big challenge and at first I just stayed in not really doing much.

“I then started to make friends at my new school, and it wasn't long before I felt really settled.

“I still keep in contact with all my friends and family from Bristol of course too, and they come up and see me as much as possible, so I have good support all around me really.”

Kane added: “I've always wanted to be a footballer and I promised myself at a young age I would try my very hardest to be one.

Herbie Kane in action at England training

Herbie Kane in action at England training on Saturday

 

“The challenge of moving away at a young age was a massive, but one I had to overcome if I wanted to make it - and I'm determined to make it. I feel I'm ready for anything now!”

The next challenge facing Kane and his team-mates comes in the form of Iceland, Finland and Sweden at the Nordic Tournament.

The youngster was a regular in the U16 side last season, appearing in The Victory Shield, but he is relishing his first trip to foreign soil with the national team.

“It's been a great experience this past year. My only other trip with England was to Scotland in the Victory Shield, so this is brilliant to be in Denmark,” Kane said.

“The different styles of play you will come up against will be very interesting.

“There are seven other teams in it, who all play differently, so it's brilliant for my development to come away and face them.

“I haven't faced this sort of test yet, so I'm looking forward to the games and hopefully giving a good performance.

"I feel I'm ready for anything now"

Herbie Kane

 


“We want to do as well as we can - and go home having won every game.”

Kane and his team-mates are not short of inspiration too as they prepare for the upcoming U17 campaign with the Three Lions.

“We all saw the U17s win the European Championship last season, and that is great motivation for us this year - as well as the World Cup. It would be quality if we could do well in them both and it is something we will all be striving to do.

“To be a part of an England team is fantastic - you are learning all the time but having fun with the boys too.

“You get to find out what other players your age around the country are like, and we are really starting to build as a team – and we want that to continue this week.”

Kane will be hoping to start England U17s first match of the tournament on Monday when they face Iceland at Nr Aaby Stadium.

By Gary Stonehouse Staff Writer