Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Euro 2024, Harry Kane, England, Bayern Munich, Netherlands, Virgil Van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold
Marcus Banks
Topics: Euro 2024, Harry Kane, England, Bayern Munich, Netherlands, Virgil Van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold
A huge bombshell has been dropped that could explain Harry Kane's performances at Euro 2024.
The Bayern Munich forward has two goals in the competition so far but his displays have come under intense scrutiny.
Kane was substituted with cramp in extra-time during the quarter-final win against Switzerland but had just 27 touches and only four in the opposition box - the lowest touches of any player in either team.
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After scoring 44 goals in his first season in Germany, England fans have been expecting more from their talisman.
There have been calls to drop Kane from the starting XI to face the Netherlands but Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett reports his place in the team is not under threat.
He also claimed that Kane is still struggling with a back injury that could explain his troubles in front of goal.
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"He will play, he will start, it's almost a non-issue," he told Sky Sports.
"But it hints at some of the problems England are experiencing. So many times Bukayo Saka got behind his full-back against Switzerland and put some good low crosses in only for Harry Kane not to be up with play.
"He's not fully fit, I don't care what he says. I've said it all tournament long and even before the tournament.
"That back problem that dogged the end of his domestic season has dragged on into this tournament. Whilst he's able to play, he's just not as sharp as he has been all season.
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"That is a concern for England and Gareth Southgate."
Kane is almost guaranteed to come face-to-face with an old rival in Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk, with the pair clashing many times in the Premier League.
Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold issued a fierce defence of England's captain suggesting his club teammate would be 'delighted' if Kane was dropped.
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He said: "Anyone facing England would like to see Harry Kane not playing. We’re talking about England’s record scorer.
“He’s scored two in this tournament, helped us win games and, as our captain, leads by example and puts everything into games.
“People will always have opinions but he is leading us into a semi-final.
"He is part of the reason why the environment is such a good one in camp. "And he is a reason why we’re heading into a semi."