‘Carrying an injury’ – Pundit explains what he noticed about Kane vs USA

Danny Murphy believes that Harry Kane was still carrying an injury in the World Cup match against the USA on Friday, after picking up an ankle knock in the opener versus Iran (DailyMail).

Kane is yet to get off the mark for England in Qatar after missing a late header against the United States, although he did record two assists against Iran last week.

Murphy has now argued that Kane should be rested against Wales now that England are likely to qualify out of their group, allowing him to come back fresh for the knockouts.

The pundit also argued that Gareth Southgate should ban Kane from entering his own defensive third in open play, and instead try some more route-one balls when England are struggling to create chances.

Kane came into the 2022 winter World Cup in fantastic form in front of goal, having scored 13 goals across all competitions for Spurs this season (TransferMarkt).

Murphy wrote in his Daily Mail column: ‘With England all but qualified, Harry Kane should be given a rest against Wales on Tuesday because he didn’t look right against the USA. And when he returns fresher for the knockout stages, I’m hoping the England captain’s role is refined.

‘I’d stop him retreating into his own half except when defending set pieces because there was too much of that on Friday night. We also want to use him more as an out ball.

‘Other countries have gone long in this World Cup to mix it up but for some reason England rarely do when we’ve got one of the best target men in the business.’

He added: ‘He played as if he was carrying an injury. Now we’ve got the result that virtually guarantees us a place in the last 16, it would be sensible and logical to give Kane a break.’

Spurs Web Opinion:

I understand the whole opinion about Kane dropping deep for England, but it’s so frustrating for Spurs fans. We see week-in week-out what Kane can do when you let him drop deep every now and then, but Southgate doesn’t set England up to make the most out of their best player’s talents, I’m afraid.

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