Gary Lineker has reiterated his critique of Harry Kane following England’s narrow 1-1 draw with Denmark, where Kane’s performance came under scrutiny despite opening the scoring. Lineker, speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, expressed disappointment with Kane’s contribution and offered insights into Gareth Southgate’s tactical approach.
During the podcast with co-host Micah Richards, Lineker questioned England’s lack of a high press and suggested Kane’s role in executing such tactics. He emphasized Kane’s strengths as a finisher but pointed out his perceived lack of movement and pressing intensity during the match.
Lineker remarked, “Why do England not play the high press? They might play it for about three minutes in a game. Are they not coached to play that? You feel a little bit guilty for Harry Kane. Can you do it with Harry Kane that way? I think you can.”
Regarding Kane’s style of play, Lineker suggested, “Stay high. Stay really high and then every now and again you give yourself a target, and then you lean into a defender one way and then you come back and make it short.”
Lineker also speculated on Southgate’s influence on Kane’s positioning and pressing, stating, “They’re just a little bit lost tactically, and that comes from the manager I’m afraid. It really does. He has got to get England playing higher up the pitch as a unit – because at the moment they are not a unit.”
Reflecting on Southgate’s background as a defender, Lineker proposed, “I think he airs on the side of caution, I think I’ve heard him say many times that great expansive teams win football matches with great games – teams that win tournaments are pragmatic.”
Despite England’s current position atop Group C with four points, Lineker emphasized the need for improvement ahead of their final group game against Slovenia. He concluded, “Can England do that with Harry Kane? I think you tell Harry Kane that you’ve got to do that.”
Lineker’s comments come amidst ongoing scrutiny over Kane’s role and England’s tactical approach under Southgate as they navigate through the tournament.
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