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The Three Lions captain was limited to fewer touches than any other starting player against Croatia in his first Euro 2020 game
Tyrone Mings defended England teammate Harry Kane after the striker’s calm game against Croatia on Sunday.
Kane was limited to fewer touches than any other member of England’s starting lineup, but the Three Lions still managed to win their first Euro 2020 game 1-0 thanks to Raheem Sterling’s goal.
Mings called Kane’s criticism “background noise” as the team prepare for their second game of the tournament on Friday against Scotland.
Editors’ Choice What was said?
“Really irrelevant because I honestly think he is one of the best players in the world and think of him very hard,” Mings said at a press conference when asked about Kane’s criticism.
“I also played against him in the penultimate game of the season against Tottenham. Let me tell you, when he comes you shouldn’t leave him. That’s because when he turns around and you faces, he can pick just about any pass he wants.
“So when he falls, it’s really not easy for a center-back to come with him because you go into an area of the pitch that you don’t really want to go into, and that then opens up spaces behind you.
“You see we’re going there a couple of times on Sunday as well. I can’t talk enough about him as a player and captain, so the question marks around him are a real background noise.”
What’s next for England?
The Three Lions face Scotland at Wembley on Friday before finishing the squad against the Czech Republic next Tuesday.
Mings played alongside John Stones against Croatia and is set to win another start against Scotland as Harry Maguire continues to work his way through injury.
The Aston Villa defender said he was flattered, although he didn’t necessarily agree with suggestions he could stay in the lineup even when Maguire is in good shape.
“It’s a little weird considering the credit Harry has bank with and how fantastic he is a defender,” Mings added.
“At the same time there is absolute competition for places and I think he’s someone I admire as a center-back, and someone who is so consistent with a lot of pressure on his shoulders being captain of Man Utd and being one of the main players for England.
“He’s a person I take a lot of inspiration from. So to be mentioned in the same breath as him is a compliment in itself.”
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