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England manager Gareth Southgate has dismissed questions about Harry Kane’s form, saying his captain faces a “repetitive cycle” of criticism he “inevitably” goes through.
Kane was substituted in the first two matches of the Euro 2020 group stage in England, with the Spurs forward’s inferior performance leading Southgate to question whether he would consider dropping him.
The England boss took an exception to his usual approach by confirming on Sunday that he would stay with Kane for Tuesday’s clash with the Czech Republic at Wembley, and explained his decision at a press conference ahead of – Monday match.
“I think the only relevant thing is what I’ve already said this week,” Southgate said. “His importance to the team – he was our best player, our most influential player, our most important player for a long time.
Image: Captain Kane has been substituted in both England’s Euro 2020 games
“Of course there were times when Raheem (Sterling) probably had times where he was essential to our success also in terms of goals, but Harry has always been our top scorer, his record since I have been in charge is phenomenal and he is an extremely important figure for us.
“I think it’s a great player’s world. Since becoming England manager I’ve had to deal with these kinds of questions about Harry in three or four different periods, and inevitably he’s been through those periods. and scored important goals for us and played exceptionally well. So it’s a repetitive cycle. “
Kane, who was both the top scorer and provider of assists in the Premier League last season, is also the subject of a major transfer saga, with the news of a £ 100million offer from Manchester City having emerged on Monday.
The 27-year-old insists he is only focusing on Euro 2020, but Southgate accepts that his captain is under more pressure than most of his teammates.
2:06 Gary Neville is concerned about the physical levels England have shown against Scotland and criticized the “lethargic” nature of their performance
“The big guys have a lot of focus, have a lot more attention, and their world is a lot more complicated than a lot of other players who can fall under this radar of pressure and intensity,” Southgate said.
“So I have a great understanding of what it is for Harry, a great understanding to have played with great personalities, great players how different their world is and I hope that helps me to. manage and get the most out of it, which over a long period of time, I think we’ve done. “
“Maguire and Henderson can play a big part in the tournament”
England enter Tuesday’s clash with the Czech Republic amid disruption after Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell were forced into self-isolation on Monday following their contact with Scotland midfielder Billy Gilmour after the game Friday draw 0-0.
The result leaves England with four points in their first two games, but must beat the Czechs to secure top spot in Group D.
The situation could see Southgate making changes to their squad, with two contenders being Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson, yet to make the tournament as they recover from injuries.
Image: Jordan Henderson (left) and Harry Maguire hope to make their Euro 2020 debut against the Czech Republic
Manchester United captain Maguire has not played since May 9 due to an ankle injury, while Liverpool skipper Henderson had not played for four months before playing 45 minutes in the game England warm-up against Romania earlier this month.
“Slightly different situations given the time they missed, but both are training really well and both will be involved tomorrow (Tuesday) so we’re happy with their progress,” Southgate said.
“They’ve already, without being on the pitch, had a huge impact around practice sessions, around the squad, so I couldn’t be happier with the way our playgroup and the senior players, in in particular, the influence they have had and the impact they have had.
“But of course they want to get on the pitch and we hope they can still play a big part in this tournament for us.”
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