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Former Liverpool defender turned TV pundit Steve Nicol has claimed that England captain Harry Kane is not fully fit at Euro 2024. The Bayern Munich superstar has not been at his best in the ongoing competition so far while Gareth Southgate's side have also been underwhelming.
Steve Nicol opined that Harry Kane might not be 100 per cent fit and looked jaded. However, he insisted that if he were in Gareth Southgate's position, he would have also played a 80 per cent fit Kane.
The Liverpool legend also claimed that Kane's substitution in the 70th minute against Denmark was probably not a tactical one but due to his lack of fitness. The Scotsman said, as quoted by ESPN FC:
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“I can’t help but think Harry Kane is not 100 per cent fit. He’s just looked gassed. He just doesn’t look sharp. If I’m Gareth Southgate and Harry Kane is 80 per cent fit, I’m playing him. It’s just that simple. I don’t believe that Kane was brought off against Denmark for any other reason than [because] he was feeling it.”
England have topped their group in the Euros despite not being at their best, drawing twice and winning just one game. They won 1-0 against Serbia but have since drawn 1-1 and 0-0 against Denmark and Slovenia respectively.
Harry Kane has struggled to make much impact at Euro 2024 so far having found the back of the net just once in three games. He is the all-time topscorer for England with 64 goals in 94 caps.
The English skipper enjoyed a fantastic season with Bayern Munich last time out, scoring 44 goals and providing 12 assists in 45 appearances across competitions. However, despite his best efforts, Bayern Munich had their first trophyless season since 2012.
Pundit calls for sacking of England manager Gareth Southgate ahead of Round of 16 of Euro 2024
Richard Keys has urged England to sack Gareth Southgate immediately and replace him with 77-year-old former manager Harry Redknapp. The television presenter slammed the Three Lions following their drab 0-0 draw against Slovenia.
Keys claimed Gareth Southgate needs to be shown the door and named Harry Redknapp as his potential replacement. Keys said, as quoted by Metro:
"I’m so depressed, I thought that was so miserable once again tonight. I’m at a point whereby if I were able to make that decision, yes, I probably would because we are going nowhere double quick. We’re here to win it, that, what I’ve seen tonight, that’s not winning the next game, let alone the tournament."
The pundit added:
"Harry Redknapp’s sat in Dubai tonight, give him a call. [Jurgen] Klopp won’t do it but Harry, you think he wouldn’t be on a plane tomorrow morning?"
Gareth Southgate was on the receiving end of boos from fans after England's stalemate against Slovenia. Some fans allegedly threw empty beer cups in his direction.
