Let’s talk about the current state of Harry Kane in the Euros.
England is in the semi-finals of the tournament, but their star player seems a bit off. Harry Kane, the captain and leading goal scorer, appears to be struggling with fitness and lack of service from his teammates.
There are questions that need to be addressed. How fit is Kane really? What is he bringing to the team at the moment? Is he still England’s go-to goal scorer like Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal?
In the past, comparing Kane to Ronaldo would be a huge compliment. However, in 2024, it seems more like a critique of his current form. Is he just playing on reputation alone, or does he truly deserve his spot in the starting XI?
The main concern seems to be Kane’s fitness. He has battled injuries leading up to the tournament, but he has started all of England’s matches so far. Despite this, his performance on the field has been sub-par compared to his usual standards.
It is evident that Kane is not at his best. His movement is restricted, his link-up play is suffering, and he lacks the sharpness in front of goal that made him a world-class striker. This raises the question of whether he should be benched for the upcoming semi-final.
Gareth Southgate, the England manager, faces a tough decision regarding Kane’s role in the team. Dropping a player of Kane’s caliber would certainly raise eyebrows, but it might be necessary for the team’s success in the tournament.
With other capable strikers like Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins on the bench, Southgate has options. Bringing in fresh legs could provide the team with the energy and pace they need to break through defenses.
Ultimately, England’s goal is to win the tournament. If Kane is not delivering at his best, a hard decision may need to be made for the team’s sake.
While it’s a sensitive topic, the team’s success should be the top priority. It may be time to consider alternatives to ensure England’s chances of lifting the trophy.
(Top photos: Getty Images)
