The Three Lions boss says the striker goes through “cycles” of facing criticism and is confident he will hit top form again
Gareth Southgate says Harry Kane is going through another cycle of heavy criticism and has backed the England striker to get through it.
Despite finishing the 2020-21 season as the top scorer in the Premier League, the Tottenham star is yet to get going at Euro 2020.
Kane did not score in either of England’s first two matches as they beat Croatia 1-0 and drew 0-0 with Scotland and has faced a lot of criticism in his home country.
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What has been said?
“I think the only thing that’s relevant is what I’ve said already this week. His importance to the team – he’s been our best player, our most influential player, our most important player for a long period of time,” he said at a press conference.
“Of course, there’s been moments where the likes of Raheem Sterling have probably had periods where he’s been critical for our success as well in terms of the goalscoring, but Harry has consistently been our top goalscorer, his record since I’ve been in charge is phenomenal and he’s a hugely important figure for us.
“I think it’s the world of a big player. Throughout the time I’ve been England manager I must have managed these sorts of questions about Harry in three or four different periods of time, and inevitably he’s come through those periods and scored important goals for us and played exceptionally well. So it’s a bit of a repetitive cycle.”
The likes of Kieran Trippier and Marcus Rashford also backed Kane to come good, with the Atletico Madrid full-back telling reporters: “With H, he works so hard for the team and people might not recognise what he does off the ball.
“I believe in Harry and I know he will score goals, Harry’s chances will come. Harry has had an unbelievable season with Spurs. He is working hard in training and it is about getting the chances to him.
“He is our captain, our leader, a big player for us and we just need to create chances for him to score goals. We need to get him on the end of chances.”
Will Kane start against Czech Republic?
England head into the last game of the group stage against Czech Republic having already qualified for the last 16 but the result of the match will help determine who they will face in the first knockout round.
Despite not needing to win to go through, the Three Lions will be determined to sign off the group phase with a win, given the criticism they faced for the draw with Scotland.
And Southgate is keeping faith in Kane as he pledged to keep him in the starting XI, telling reporters on Sunday: “You can assume that, yes, absolutely. He is fundamental not only to the goals he scores but the build-up play and everything else he brings.”
Further reading
- England duo Chilwell & Mount in isolation as precaution
- Lingard makes future admission ahead of Man Utd return
- Kane will break all England’s records – Neville
