Following Tottenham’s Champions League final disappointment, Harry Kane has been a large focus of media attention and a flurry of questions have been posed regarding his performance. Was he fit? Should he have started? Should he withdraw from the England squad?
Kane’s performance did seem sluggish. However, it was a strange game and the early goal meant Tottenham had to dominate possession with Liverpool happy to sit back and defend tight. He, therefore, found himself the focus of both Liverpool centre-backs who were content to defend deep and nullify Kane’s threat.
The 25-year-old returned for Tottenham in his first start for the club since suffering an ankle ligaments injury against Manchester City back in early April. Kane was widely rumoured to have been targeting a return to fitness for the Champions League final for some time and many Spurs fans were relieved to see him in the first XI against Liverpool.
In the aftermath of Saturday’s game many have questioned whether or not Kane was fully fit to start the game. Former England striker Alan Shearer heavily criticised the decision to play Kane and openly criticised the Spurs forwards fitness.
Speaking to The Sun, Shearer said: “Kane didn’t look fit at all and didn’t turn up in Madrid — he was nowhere near as sharp as he could and should have been”.
Despite these comments, and other criticism, Kane has not withdrawn from the England squad and remains intent on helping England to secure European glory in the UEFA Nations League finals.
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Current England and Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has had his say on the situation,
Praising the England captain, Rashford said to The Standard: “Harry’s brilliant,”
“He just knows where the net is. That’s a quality you’re born with. His shot, obviously, is ridiculous. If you combine those two abilities, that’s a lethal number 9. If you have one of those in the team, no matter how bad you’re doing, there’s a chance you’re going to win the game.”
Rashford also commended Kane’s leadership qualities. “He’s grown into it and gets better and better every game,” he said. “The best way to lead your team is by scoring goals — and he does that.”
Spurs Web Opinion
As Spurs fans, we all know how strong of a character Harry Kane is. Despite numerous setbacks through injury he always comes back stronger and I’m singing off the same hymn sheet as Rashford in that regard.
For the Spurs lads in general the UEFA Nations League will provide them with a welcome break from club football. What better opportunity to put the heartbreak of the Champions League behind them than winning silverware with the National team.
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