Continental element? (3)

I believe the answer is:

tin

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'element?' is the definition.
(tin is a kind of element)

'continental' is the wordplay.
'TIN' is hidden in amongst the letters.
However, I'm unsure how this is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tin that I've seen before include "Silver-white metal, used to make cans" , "With copper, makes bronze" , "Silver-white element often used in food containers" , "Silvery white metal" , "Atomic number 50" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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