Euro 2024 news: England ‘haven’t clicked yet’, admits captain Harry Kane
England captain Harry Kane admits the Three Lions ‘haven’t quite clicked right’ at Euro 2024, where they face Slovenia in their final Group C game on Tuesday night.
Gareth Southgate’s pre-tournament favourites head into the Cologne encounter in top spot after beating Serbia 1-0 and drawing 1-1 with Denmark.
But England looked laboured and disjointed in both games, and were lacklustre both in possession and in the press.
Southgate seemingly does not know his best starting XI, with his team lacking balance due to having a right-back at left-back and full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield.
Kane has also received criticism from fans and pundits for dropping too deep, often leaving England without a striker to stretch the opposition defence.
When Ollie Watkins replaced Kane in the second half against Denmark, he held a high line and gave the Danish defence some headaches with some clever runs which created room for the likes of Jude Bellingham to exploit.
Bayern Munich star Kane has called for calm, however, and insists he feels ‘fully fit’ and ready to lead England into the latter stages of the tournament.
The former Tottenham striker, who missed Bayern Munich's final game of the Bundesliga season with a back injury, told the press: "I physically feel fresh and fit. I know sometimes when I've had bad games, there's always someone looking for a reason why.
"It's a heightened environment in a tournament and there's been more chatter, but I feel fit and ready and I'll play for as long as the manager wants me to.
"My preparation [for the tournament] was pretty good. The first game I felt as fit as I have all season. I came off last game [against Denmark] but that was down to the manager wanting to freshen things up.
"Going into this knockout phase I want to feel 100 per cent, and I feel as if I'm there.
"Some games I will stay high, sometimes I'll drop in. As a team we're trying to find some fluidity, and we haven't quite clicked right. But we're all at a high level, that will come.
"Most importantly, with the ball we need to be better, keep the ball, play higher, and get in between the lines. That will come, but we need to go out and prove it. Hopefully that comes on Tuesday."
Kane and Southgate know the Slovenia game offers a chance to get some momentum going after a stuttering start to Euro 2024.
"Momentum is the right word," Kane added. "Before the tournament if you said we'd be in a position to qualify after two games, we'd have taken it.
"We can be honest and say we have not played the way we wanted to up to now.
"Tuesday is important for the feeling of the group, for an all-round better feeling coming off the pitch and take that into the rest of the tournament. We want to finish top.
"Calm is important. Most of us have been here and done it - we've given England fans some fantastic memories.
"After the tournament you can judge us. During the tournament, it's down to us to get it right, and find how to do it right. We want to try and find a solution.
"We know 99 per cent of England fans are behind us, but everyone has a right to have an opinion.
"We definitely want to win the group. "It's not just to avoid [certain teams], but we want momentum in the knockout stages.
"We expect to finish top, but if we don't, it's not a panic. We want to put a marker down on Tuesday and use that for the rest of the tournament."
Kane will be hoping to lead England to glory having missed out on the German Bundesliga title with Bayern - and here, Sports News Blitz takes a look at his career so far.
Early Career
Youth Clubs: Harry Kane embarked on his football journey at Ridgeway Rovers, demonstrating prodigious talent from an early age. His early promise saw him join the Arsenal youth academy, followed by a stint at Watford.
In 2004, he found his true home at Tottenham Hotspur's esteemed youth academy, where his journey to greatness began.
Tottenham Hotspur: Kane's commitment and natural ability propelled him through the ranks at Tottenham, culminating in the signing of his first professional contract in July 2010.
Loan Spells
Before cementing his legendary status at Tottenham, Kane honed his craft during several loan spells:
Leyton Orient (2011): His spell at Leyton Orient was marked by early brilliance, with Kane netting five goals in 18 appearances, showcasing glimpses of his future greatness.
Millwall (2012): At Millwall, Kane's talent shone brightly as he scored nine goals in 27 appearances, earning the club’s Young Player of the Year award.
Norwich City (2012-2013): Despite facing challenges and injuries, Kane's time at Norwich City added resilience to his burgeoning career.
Leicester City (2013): A loan stint at Leicester City saw Kane continue his development, scoring two goals in 13 appearances.
Ascendancy at Tottenham Hotspur
2013-2014 Season: Kane's emergence in the first team was a turning point, marked by his first Premier League goal in April 2014.
2014-2015 Season: This season heralded Kane’s meteoric rise as he scored 31 goals in all competitions, earning the PFA Young Player of the Year award and finishing as the Premier League’s second-highest scorer.
Consistent Scoring: Kane's relentless drive and goal-scoring prowess saw him claim the Premier League Golden Boot in the 2015-2016, 2016-2017, and 2020-2021 seasons, solidifying his status as one of the league’s all-time greats.
Records and Achievements
Premier League: Kane's indomitable spirit and unparalleled skill saw him become Tottenham's top scorer in the Premier League era, surpassing the legendary Teddy Sheringham's record.
International Career: Making his senior debut for England in 2015, Kane became an indispensable figure for the national team. He won the Golden Boot at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and led England to the final of UEFA Euro 2020, epitomizing leadership and excellence.
Transfer to Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich (2023-Present): In August 2023, Harry Kane embarked on a new chapter, transferring to Bayern Munich for a club-record fee. His remarkable goal-scoring prowess has continued to dazzle in the Bundesliga, further cementing his legendary status.
Playing Style
Versatile Forward: Kane is celebrated for his versatility as a forward, seamlessly adapting to various roles on the pitch.
Whether as a lone striker, in a two-striker system, or dropping deep to orchestrate play, his impact is profound.
Technical Mastery: Kane's technical skills, combined with his physicality, enable him to score a diverse array of goals. Proficient with both feet, formidable in the air, and possessing exceptional positioning, his prowess is unparalleled.
Personal Life
Early Life: Born on July 28, 1993, in Walthamstow, London, Harry Kane grew up supporting Tottenham Hotspur, a club that would become synonymous with his name.
Philanthropy: Kane's influence extends beyond the pitch. He is actively involved in charitable endeavors, using his platform to champion causes such as mental health awareness, embodying the spirit of a true role model.
Harry Kane’s career is a testament to his unwavering dedication, extraordinary skill, and consistent excellence at the pinnacle of football.
His journey from a promising youth to one of the most revered strikers in the modern game is an inspiring saga of talent, perseverance and greatness.
READ MORE: Euro 2024: A look at England’s fixtures, opponents and their path to glory
