‘He was aggressive’ – Southgate reacts to Kane’s performance against Albania

Gareth Southgate has hailed Harry Kane after the striker netted a hat-trick to help England thrash Albania 5-0.

Kane’s form at club level this season has left a lot to be desired, with the striker having found the net just once in 10 Premier League appearances so far.

All the talk ahead of the game was understandably about the 28-year-old’s form but the England captain insisted it was just a matter of time before the goals returned.

That certainly proved true on Friday as Kane netted a perfect hat-trick in the first half as the Three Lions brushed Albania aside.

After heading in a Jordan Henderson cross from close range, the striker smashed in a left-foot effort from a tight angle.

His hat-trick goal was the best of the night as he acrobatically volleyed in a corner kick past a helpless Thomas Strakosha in the Albanian goal.

Southgate hailed the Tottenham star’s performance on the night. When asked about Kane, the England boss told The Independent: “Form is always temporary. What pleased me most was his all-round performance.

“We know he’s going to score goals but I really liked the way he was aggressive in his hold-up play.

“He was running in behind and his link play was really on song tonight and that was helped as well by good movement around him.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Kane certainly looked hungry last night and his body language suggested that he was keen to make a statement and prove doubters wrong. This hat-trick will certainly do his confidence a world of good and hopefully, it opens the floodgates for the striker.

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