Kane backs Tottenham in Champions League opener against Monaco

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London (AFP) – Harry Kane is confident Tottenham’s England stars will ensure Wembley becomes a successful second home in their Champions League opener against Monaco on Wednesday.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side return to the Champions League for the first time in five years in unfamiliar surroundings after deciding to stage their European matches at Wembley rather than White Hart Lane.

The prospect of bigger crowds at the English national stadium convinced Tottenham to make the short move across north London and the crowd is expected to set a new record for the largest attendance for a home Champions League game in Britain.

Fans of Tottenham’s bitter rivals Arsenal can testify to the struggles of a Wembley relocation as they won just two of their six fixtures in Europe when temporarily playing there in the late 1990s.

But Tottenham striker Kane believes a strong English core that includes internationals Kyle Walker, Danny Rose, Eric Dier, Dele Alli and himself, can help them instantly settle in the venue where they play for their country.

“If there are 85-90,000 Tottenham fans in there it’s only going to make you play better,” Kane said.

“A lot of us have played there already, so it feels like even more of a home. Everyone knows how iconic Wembley is, but that’s what we’ve got to be careful of.

“Monaco are going to come here and it’s a big occasion for them as well. We have to make sure we’re ready for that.”

Tottenham head into the Monaco clash on a high after winning 4-0 at Stoke in the Premier League on Saturday.

– Amazing atmosphere –

Kane ended a nine-game goal drought by netting for the first time this season and he believes the result was emblematic of the positive mood at Tottenham.

“The lads are excited and we wanted a good result here,” he said.

“Now we can go there on Wednesday and enjoy the record-breaking crowd. It’s going to be an amazing atmosphere and the lads cannot wait to play in that one now.

“There’s a buzz about that one and coming off the back of a 4-0 win you can’t ask for much more. We have to prepare well for Wednesday now.

“We’re not there just to participate. We want to go as far as we can, we feel we have a group that we can definitely qualify from. A good start is important.”

Kane’s strike came after Alli had also opened his account for the campaign, while Son Heung-min scored twice in his first appearance of the season.

And unlike his English colleagues, the South Korean midfielder got his first taste of the most famous stadium in England when Spurs trained there recently.

“For every player, it’s a dream to play in the Champions League,” Son said.

“For me also, It’s two years since I played in the Champions League. I can’t wait for this night.

“My first time I went training at Wembley, the stadium was unbelievable. I’m excited to play there, so many fans will be there and we have to win this game.”

Monaco arrive in London in confident mood after climbing to the top of Ligue 1 with a 4-1 win at Lille.

Leonardo Jardim’s team are unbeaten in four league matches, including an upset of French champions Paris Saint Germain, and survived two tough rounds of qualifying against Fenerbahce and Villarreal to reach the Champions League group stages.

According to former France and Arsenal star Emmanuel Petit, Jardim’s men should not be underestimated.

“Monaco will not be intimidated. They are in good form and they beat PSG just before the international break,” he said.

“They are organised and are playing well. Spurs need to be careful of them.”

The post Kane backs Tottenham in Champions League opener against Monaco appeared first on World Soccer Talk.

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