Gareth Southgate’s big Harry Kane decision is clear after England role questioned

England captain Harry Kane has been the subject of criticism due to his performances at Euro 2024, but Gareth Southgate simply has to keep faith with his main man

Harry Kane is England’s greatest goalscorer and his position should never be in doubt.

But the growing debate over his performances at this Euros is also familiar territory for England’s captain and talisman. And anyone who cannot find some sympathy for Kane in this scenario must be heartless and without feeling.

Kane won the Golden Boot in the 2018 World Cup in Russia and his six goals at the tournament helped establish him as a world class talent. But, since then, Kane has cut a frustrated figure at major tournaments. It is the heartbreaking reason why Gareth Southgate probably wants to give him one more chance…

In the last Euros, Kane went into the tournament with question marks over his fitness and struggled to do himself justice. At the last World Cup, Kane missed a penalty to equalise against France in the quarter final and England went out.

This time, Kane has scored two poacher’s goals and two goals in five starts is not the worst set of stats in the world. But that does not tell the whole story. Kane has scored 65 goals in 96 caps and got 44 goals in his first season for Bayern Munich.

However, Kane struggled with a back injury at the end of the campaign and despite him insisting that he is 100 per cent fit, his performances have been sluggish and lacklustre.

He has lacked his usual sharpness, his usual speed and has even looked painfully slow on the turn. There is something not quite right.

Against Switzerland, before he came off with severe cramp in both calves, he had just 27 touches (just four in the Swiss box) and that was the lowest of any player in either starting XI.

Kane’s performances at Euro 2024 have been questioned by a number of people ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
England boss Southgate backed Kane to the hilt afterwards, insisting he had been “immense” for the team. It almost feels like England are willing their best striker, their leader and captain to come good because his talent deserves it. Ivan Toney has come on twice and made a real difference as a traditional No9. But does anyone really believe he will start ahead of Kane?

People can dust down stories about Sir Alf Ramsey leaving out Jimmy Greaves after he got injured and sticking with Sir Geoff Hurst. Ramsey was ruthless and stuck to his guns and won the World Cup. But Kane is a proven striker with goals and also offers more to the team with his overall play and leadership.

But the sense of almost owing Kane this game – sticking with him for a Euros semi final – because of everything he has done and him being such a huge character hangs heavy in the air

Kane will go down as one of England’s all-time greats and that, more than anything else, is why it would be impossible to leave him out. Even if ultimately, it might be the right decision.

Southgate cannot deny his greatest player his greatest moment.