GARY LINEKER and Micah Richards are both “concerned” after hearing Harry Kane’s post-match interview.
The Bayern Munich striker scored as England were held to a 1-1 draw by Denmark in their Euro 2024 clash last night.
RexHarry Kane scored England’s goal in the 1-1 draw with Denmark[/caption]
BBCThe captain’s interview afterwards has left two ex-Three Lions ‘concerned’[/caption]
The Three Lions now know that a victory over Slovenia on Tuesday will guarantee them a spot in the knockouts.
However, fans were left underwhelmed following the drab display against the Danes with even our captain admitting it was “good enough”.
Kane also said: “We are starting games well. But when the teams are dropping a few players deeper we are not quite sure how to get the pressure on, and who is the one who is supposed to be going.”
And those words left BBC Match of the Day host Lineker, who scored 48 goals in 80 caps for England, and ex-Man City star Richards worried.
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Lineker said: “It comes from the manager.
“And I hate to say it, but it’s not too late because England are top of the group and all that, and they can get through. But with this, he’s blessed with the players he’s got.
“But you’ve got to play high now. Now, high line, it must come from the manager.
“And Harry Kane said in his interview, didn’t he? We don’t really know how to do it. And I’m thinking…”
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Richards jumped in to say: “That was concerning.”
To which Lineker agreed, saying: “Beyond concerning.”
Richards then continued: “To come out and say that in an interview with the experience of the… And we’re not talking about, yes, they’re young players, but Bellingham’s won the Champions League.
So has Phil Foden. There’s Kyle Walker, there’s John Stones. We can’t use that as an excuse anymore.”
Lineker then added: “I guarantee you right, the players will be going, we need leadership from the top and we need to be told how to play because footballers can’t do it on their own.”
When the teams are dropping a few players deeper we are not quite sure how to get the pressure on”
Harry Kane
Meanwhile, Southgate says that his side have not found a “natural replacement for Kalvin Phillips”.
The 28-year-old played a key role at the last Euros and World Cup but missed out this summer due to a lack of action at Man City and then a poor loan spell at West Ham.
Southgate said last night: “We don’t have a natural replacement for Kalvin Phillips.
HARRY KANE INTERVIEW
Here’s what the skipper said after the 1-1 draw with Denmark:
“We’re struggling with and without the ball.
“The pressing in both games hasn’t been quite right. We haven’t been good enough, from top to bottom, from me to Picks (Jordan Pickford).
“Everyone is dropping below their level a bit, in terms of retaining the ball, playing under pressure.
“We know there’ll be a bit of noise and disappointment back home.
“But it’s a time to stay calm and we’ll get there step by step.
“It wasn’t our greatest game but we got away with draw.
“We are starting games well. But when the teams are dropping a few players deeper we are not quite sure how to get the pressure on, and who is the one who is supposed to be going.”
“In the second half, we changed it with me and Jude (Bellingham) playing in front of their two midfielders. But it was difficult.”
“At the moment we’re not flowing as we would like.
“We understand people will be disappointed with the performances and rightly so – we have to make them a lot better.
“At the moment we’re not using the ball well enough and have to accept if you do that you will suffer at times, as we have.
“We know there’s another level we have to find.”
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