Kane admits England have shown their best only in glimpses after reaching World Cup semi-final

Harry Kane has admitted England have shown their true quality only “in glimpses” at this World Cup, even as the Three Lions secured a place in the semi-finals with an extra-time victory over Norway in Miami.

Jude Bellingham was again the decisive figure, scoring twice to send England through to a last-four tie against Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday — putting them one win from a first World Cup final appearance since 1966.

Kane and Bellingham have both scored six goals in the tournament, but Marcus Rashford is the only other England player to find the net, underlining how much the side has relied on its two standout performers to navigate a path to the semi-finals.

“We haven’t seen that yet, we’ve shown it in glimpses,” Kane said when asked whether England had reached their peak. “Against Norway it was in glimpses. But we haven’t had full control that we would like and I feel we can have.”

The England captain was careful to balance his candour with perspective, pointing out that the standard of opposition rises sharply at this stage of the competition. “At this stage of the tournament you are playing against the best teams in the world,” he said. “We’ll be playing against one of the best teams in the world in the semi-final, so the most pleasing thing is that we are in a semi-final and we can still feel like we can improve.”

Kane also praised the collective effort his side produced against Norway, particularly in defence, and acknowledged the physical toll of playing in the searing heat and humidity of Miami. “It was tough to play. We can play better on the ball. We know that for sure,” he said.

England will have the benefit of an air-conditioned, roofed stadium in Atlanta for the semi-final, a contrast to the conditions they endured against Norway. France and Spain are set to contest the other last-four tie.

Despite his honest assessment, Kane was keen to ensure the squad savoured the moment before turning their attention to Argentina. “Right now we want to enjoy this,” he said. “The preparation will come for the next game. We are in a semi-final of the World Cup and that has not always been the case for this national team, so we have to enjoy it.”

Victory over Argentina would put England in the final in New Jersey, where they would have the chance to win the tournament for the first time since hosting it 60 years ago.