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LONDON. — Not even a big, bruising boot from Bruno Alves could keep Harry Kane down.

He’s a man on a mission, intent on shedding years of hurt and making his country proud.

The Tottenham striker — who arrived in France on Monday ahead for his first-ever major tournament — is determined to banish the pain of watching England .

He knows how the fans feel. Up until now, he has been one of them.

When he was eight, he sobbed at school as Sven Goran Eriksson’s side crashed out of the World Cup soccer quarter-finals in 2002 to Brazil.

“I remember that well. We had a great team back then too. But Brazil beat us. It was devastating.”

And he shared the nation’s disappointment after England’s disastrous 2014 World Cup campaign, watching on from afar with his girlfriend Kate on holiday in Dubai.

Now, he says, the heartache of those memories must be turned into a force for good as he sets his sights on winning England’s first major trophy in 50 years.

“For me, it’s motivation to go on do great things,” said Kane, an ambassador for Lucozade Sport’s new campaign to get the nation moving, speaking exclusively to MirrorFootball.

“We all know how much it would mean to the country to go all the way in this competition.

“So, it is all about using those kind of memories, and that heartache, to play in a positive manner.

“We’ve put that behind us and we’ve got a different squad to what we had then.

“It’s all about going out to France to express ourselves and put in a good performance.”

Roy Hodgson’s men arrived at their five-star luxury base in Chantilly before this weekend’s Group B opener with Russia in Marseille.

And it will be a proud moment for Kane if he starts on Saturday as is expected.

After all, it was only three years ago he and strike partner Jamie Vardy were sat together on the bench at Leicester City – in the Championship.

“It just goes to show that you can never stop working hard and never give up,” said Kane.

“At the time, me and Jamie couldn’t even get in the Leicester team.

“Since then we have both knuckled down. We carried on working hard and believed in ourselves. You only have to see where we are now.

“I think it’s great for other young players coming through the system. When times are down, keep believing, keep working hard and things will pick up.

“You want young players to believe that – just as I did.”

Since then Kane has emerged as a superstar for Spurs. Last season, the 22-year-old became the first English golden boot winner in 16 years as his 25 goals secured a place in the Champions League.

And he would love to repeat that feat in France. But Kane insists he won’t put any added pressure on himself as he arrives on the biggest stage of his career so far.

He’ll keep himself relaxed in camp by catching up on episodes of Breaking Bad and playing golf with captain Wayne Rooney – if recovery time permits.

“It’s my first major tournament so I’m not quite sure what the Gaffer is like and whether he’ll want us playing golf or not.“I play off five (handicap). Wazza is off 16, I think.

“But I’m normally one who likes to chill out in my room. Most of the time, I’ll be watching box sets.

“I’ve got a few on the go at the minute: The Blacklist, House of Cards and I’m late on the scene to Breaking Bad – but I’m finally watching it.” — The Mirror.