Ryan Mason is backing Tottenham teammate Harry Kane to rediscover his lethal goalscoring form when England continue their Euro 2016 campaign against Wales on Thursday afternoon.
Kane could lead the line again in a side that featured five Spurs players for the 1-1 draw with Russia, and England’s travelling support will be hoping the young striker can find the back of the net like he did so many times for Spurs in their title-chasing Premier League campaign.
Kane was awarded the Golden Boot for his 25 league goals, and Mason, another of Tottenham’s exciting crop of emerging English talent, said there is no reason why he can’t do the same in France this summer.
Speaking as part of the Farah menswear #MatchReady campaign, Mason told JOE: “It wouldn’t surprise me with Harry. He’s a goalscorer.
“He’s obsessed with scoring goals and his record over the last two seasons for Tottenham has been phenomenal. It’s unbelievable really. Harry recognises what he’s doing and I believe he can continue doing it.”
Mason has represented England at every level from Under-16 up, and made his senior debut in a 1-1 draw with Italy last year. Consistent injury setbacks in the last campaign denied him the playing time needed to stake a claim for a place in Roy Hodgson’s 23-man squad, but he said he’d be willing the team on as a fan now the tournament is underway.
“I’ve had that experience of playing for my country. I’ve seen what it’s like to have the backing of the nation and have them supporting you and it was a great moment for me. I’m still an England fan. I want the team to do well and do the nation proud.
“I think the boys have got a great chance. They’re a very young team with a lot of energy and pace, and a lot of confidence. A lot of players in the tournament are going into it off the back of a good season so hopefully they’ll go out there and play with no fear, express themselves and do well.”
Tottenham will play Champions League football next season and achieved their highest ever Premier League position with the youngest team in the division.
It will also be the club’s final season at White Hart Lane in its current form, as they plan to move out for the 2017/18 campaign to make room for a brand new 61,000-capacity stadium.
Mason, who has been at Spurs since the age of seven, said he’ll miss playing at the 117-year-old ground when the time comes to leave, but he’s excited about road ahead for his boyhood club and can’t wait to play in the new stadium.
“From a personal level it’s sad,” he added. “I might be biased, but I’d say White Hart Lane is the best stadium in the premier league for atmosphere when it’s rocking.
“Those old stadiums like Goodison Park, Anfield and White Hart Lane – they’re the ones you enjoy playing at. I know the chairman and the club are very keen to replicate that in the new stadium and I’m sure we can take the atmosphere from the lane into the new ground.
“As players we’re all excited about what the future holds. We’re a young team and we’re only getting better so hopefully that can continue.”
Ryan Mason was at the number one pub to watch the Euros as voted by the Farah menswear #MatchReady campaign. To see the full list of pubs visit: http://www.farah.co.uk/blog?post=matchready-pub-guide
