Gareth Southgate has confirmed that Harry Kane will retain his place in England’s final Euro 2020 group stage match against the Czech Republic on Tuesday.
Kane has been criticized for his production at the tournament so far. He was a marginal figure in the Three Lions’ 1-0 victory over Croatia and also struggled when his side made it 0-0 against Scotland on Friday. During both matches, Kane was replaced, leading to speculation that he might fall on the bench for England’s meeting with the Czechs.
In an interview with ITV, however, Southgate put these rumors to bed.
“Well, you can assume that, yes, absolutely. I do not mind giving you that,” he said when asked if Kane would start.
Regarding the attackers’ substitutions, Southgate explained: “In one of the games we were already ahead, we needed energy to push and keep the lead.
Harry Kane ???? ????? for England! ????????
Gareth Southgate talked to @ gabrielclarke05 about England’s captain ahead of the last group match against the Czech Republic? #ITVFootball # Euro2020 #ThreeLions pic.twitter.com/6XGT69j6Lk
– ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 20, 2021
“We did not need another goal. Harry during the World Cup stopped playing a lot of football and we felt the need to deal with that load this time and we have good options on the bench to bring people to the game.
“He is our most important player, there is no doubt about that. You just have to look at his goal record with us to see his importance to the team.
“He’s basic, not just in the goals he makes, but in the build – up game and everything else he brings. I know there will be a lot of questions about him right now but he’s gone through it 100 times before.
Kane has been overwhelming so far / Visionhaus / Getty Images
“I have answered that in this role several times before and he has come up with the goals that have won us the next game. I expect it to be the same going forward.”
Although Kane’s position is certain, there are several other decisions that Southgate need to make before the match in the Czech Republic. After a decent opening game, Raheem Sterling was bad against Scotland with many demanding that Jack Grealish get a start.
Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson are also returning to fitness and it remains to be seen if Kieran Tripper will be recalled at left-back.
