England captain Harry Kane says it is “too early” to judge whether he could play on for his country until the next World Cup in 2030 following the painful semi-final defeat by Argentina.
Defending champions Argentina produced a dramatic late comeback in Atlanta to earn a 2-1 win against Thomas Tuchel’s side, setting up a final against Spain on Sunday.
It was a second World Cup semi-final defeat in eight years for England and Bayern Munich striker Kane following a 2-1 defeat by Croatia in 2018.
While Kane praised Argentina’s 39-year-old inspirational captain Lionel Messi, the 32-year-old former Tottenham striker is unsure if he will be representing England in four years’ time.
“It’s too early to talk about that. For me, it’s about taking it year by year and how I feel,” said Kane.
“The national team is my pride and joy, it’s what I love to do most.
“Four years is a long way away and I’m 33 in the summer, but as you see with Leo [Messi], he’s still performing at the highest level [at 39].
“I never want to put a limit on these things. For now, it’s about processing another tough loss.”
Kane has scored six goals at this World Cup and with a third-place match to come he could still win the Golden Boot – although both Messi, who had assists for both Argentina goals against England, and France’s Kylian Mbappe are on eight.
England went ahead in the 55th minute of Wednesday’s game when Anthony Gordon finished from Morgan Rogers’ cross.
But late goals from Enzo Fernandez and – in the second minute of injury time – Lautaro Martinez meant the Three Lions missed out on their first men’s World Cup final appearance since 1966.
“There’s not much to say – everyone is gutted,” added Kane.
“When you’re so close, 10 minutes away, and it slips out of your hands like that, obviously the lads are devastated.
“We did so well for 60 minutes. We scored and deserved to be ahead, then we struggled to keep the ball, struggled to put pressure on the ball, and it allowed them to create more momentum and chances in the final third.
“We’re going to have to find out how we can improve in those situations. It’s been probably the missing piece now for probably the past four or five tournaments.”
England must now prepare for Saturday’s third-place play-off against France (22:00 BST), which will be live on the BBC.
