Paul Merson makes sarcastic Harry Kane claim after England’s first-half Euro 2024 display against Slovenia

Former England midfielder Paul Merson has taken a dig at current captain Harry Kane for his underwhelming display in the first half of the Euro 2024 game with Slovenia in Cologne on Tuesday (June 25). The two teams were goalless at half-time.

Kane, 30, had a largely anonymous outing in the first 45 minutes in Cologne, coming closest to scoring when he narrowly failing to connect with a Kieran Trippier cross.

The Bayern Munich marksman especially struggled to get shots on the opposition goal against a rather modest Slovenian defence. That wasn't lost on Merson, who sarcastically lauded Kane for a 'brilliant' first half, tweeting:

"Brilliant first half and lots of shots on goal against the best team in Europe…. (Is that okay Harry?)"

Kane has scored once in two games for the Three Lions at the ongoing Euros. After drawing a blank in the 1-0 win over Serbia in the campaign opener. He opened the scoring in the 1-1 draw with Denmark but was hauled off after 70 minutes by manager Gareth Southgate.

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Harry Kane's England already through to Euro 2024 knockouts

England striker Harry Kane

England qualified for the Euro 2024 knockouts with a game to spare after defending champions Italy salvaged a last-gasp 1-1 draw with Croatia on Tuesday (June 25).

Going into their final group game with Slovenia, the Three Lions are atop Group C with four points. As things stand - with Southgate's side goalless with Slovenia after 70 minutes and the other group game between Denmark and Serbia also goalless - England are set to go through as group winners.

If things end as they are, they will face the Netherlands in the Round of 16 on June 30. If they finish second, a blockbuster meeting with Group A winners Germany would await the Three Lions. A third-placed finish would pit them against Portugal or the Group E winners.

It's pertinent to note that Harry Kane and Co. lost to Italy on penalties in the last edition's final. They pipped the Azzurri to top place in their Euro 2024 qualifying group to reach the Germany finals but haven't been entirely convincing in their three games so far, failng to live up to their pre-tournament favourites tag.