We need to talk about Harry Kane.
England are in the semi-finals of another major tournament. But their captain, leader, talisman, front man, and greatest ever goalscorer looks about as mobile as an arthritic scarecrow.
OK. That’s harsh. He’s scored two goals in their five games at the European Championship so far, the service into him has generally ranged from mediocre to non-existent, and it looks like he is struggling for fitness. But there are clearly questions to be asked here.
Questions like: just how fit is he? What is he currently bringing to the team? And is he now England’s Cristiano Ronaldo?
In previous years, that last question would have been a gushing compliment, but in 2024 it verges on criticism — a suggestion that Kane is being kept in the team based on reputation alone and that his manager lacks the courage to make a difficult decision. But could that really be true?
The fitness question feels like the most pertinent, given that a fit and in-form Kane is undoubtedly one of the best strikers in the world.
Well, he has been fit enough to start all of England’s matches at the Euros, playing 464 minutes, completing two matches, and being subbed off in three. He came into the tournament carrying a back injury sustained towards the end of the club season with Bayern Munich. Kane received treatment from his personal medical team in a bid to get fit for the tournament, and while he has started all five matches, the eye test suggests he is performing below his usual standard.
Harry Kane has not produced his best form at Euro 2024 (Stefan Matzke – sampics/Getty Images)
In an England shirt this summer, his movement is uncomfortable, clunky, and stunted, his link-play is weaker, and he is lacking the vigour and zip to beat defenders to forward balls and crosses into the box.
England head coach Gareth Southgate appeared to attempt to engineer an injury to Kane so he would have an excuse to drop him when the pair collided late on in the Switzerland game. Kane suffered cramps but confirmed he will be fit for Wednesday’s semi-final against the Netherlands.
For Portugal, 39-year-old Ronaldo proved undroppable and near-unsubbable in this tournament, but England’s situation with Kane raises questions about his role in the team.
GO DEEPER
England’s change of shape against Switzerland worked – to a point – thanks to Bukayo Saka
While it’s unlikely that Kane will be dropped from the starting lineup, debate still lingers about his effectiveness in the team, especially given his current fitness levels.