Kane on England forwards and being kicked in face

Matt Stead

Harry Kane believes England gave a “positive performance” in a “positive result” against Portugal.

Roy Hodgson’s side beat the 10-man visitors 1-0 in a scrappy game at Wembley – England’s final match before Euro 2016 commences.

Kane was utilised in what looked to be a diamond 4-4-2, with Leicester striker Jamie Vardy partnering him up front.

However, England’s chosen formation looked to be more of a 4-3-3 as the game wore on, with Wayne Rooney providing the focal forward point.

The Three Lions struggled to break down a resolute Portuguese defence until Chris Smalling’s 86th-minute header, but Kane believes England’s new system should be given a chance to impress.

“It’s one game – it isn’t going to happen overnight,” Kane said. “We’ve been asked to play with each other today and we won the game. We wanted a few more chances and a few more shots at goal but it’s something we’re working on. We can’t get too downhearted. It’s a positive performance and a positive result.

“It’s difficult when you come away with England. You haven’t got a lot of time to prepare like you do with your clubs. We’re internationals, we’re going to have to cope with that. I don’t think you can judge it from one performance. We’ll see what the manager picks against Russia, what formation he goes with, and we’ll do our best like we did tonight.

“We’re still working on stuff. That’s what we had these three friendlies for – to prepare for the tournament, whether it’s tactics or set pieces or anything. We’re learning to see what works and what doesn’t and try to use that in the tournament. We’ll debrief the game after a few days off and see what worked.”

Kane was central to the game’s most integral point, when Portugal defender Bruno Alves was shown a straight red card after a quite bizarre kung-fu kick on the Tottenham striker after 35 minutes.

“It wasn’t a great challenge,” the Spurs forward laughed. “I’ve gone in with my head and he’s gone with his foot, so he’s caught me. It wasn’t great but in football it happens.

“I’ve got a few scratches on the head and the shoulder. I got away with one there, I think, and I’m happy I’m still here! It was lucky I didn’t have a few stitches in my head. I think he caught me with the side of his boot.

“I saw Jamie Vardy on the other side and I thought I’d try to get up for a two-v-one and try to score a goal but obviously the ref stopped it for a reason and obviously gave a red card,” Kane said, explaining why he immediately arose after the challenge.

“He didn’t apologise. He was in the tunnel, wasn’t he!”