UEFA Nations League: Spain 2-3 England - 5 takeaways from the game

#4 Harry Kane is evolving into a complete player

Harry Kane grabbed two assists against Spain

The Tottenham number 10 has long since established himself as one of the most lethal forwards in Europe over the last few seasons. His goal ratio since breaking into the Tottenham starting eleven in 2014 has been phenomenal, and he won the EPL Golden Boot in consecutive seasons in 2016 and 2017, in addition to remarkably outscoring both Messi and Ronaldo in the 2017 calendar year.

However, despite his incredible goalscoring feats, an often hurled accusation against Kane was that he was the archetypal England centre-forward; all box finishing, and lacking in the technicality or expertise to function anywhere else on the field, hence he could not be considered a modern-day centre-forward.

However, those criticisms are wide off the mark, as a striker should primarily be judged first by his goals before anything else. In this regard, Kane passes with full marks, as the 25-year-old has them by the bucketload, possessing a knack for scoring them in all forms - outside the box screamers, poacher’s tap-in or simple nodders.

He has also shown the flexibility to adapt his style of play to suit the needs of the modern game, constantly dropping back to try and influence play, particularly with his country England where the leadership responsibility bestowed upon him sees him raise his game.

Against Spain, his more rounded play came to the fore, as he had a hand in all three of his country’s goals, combining well with Rashford for the United man to put Sterling clear. Thirteen minutes later, he turned direct provider as his inch-perfect pass found Rashford, who made no mistake in slotting past De Gea, while it was his square ball that set Sterling up for a simple tap-in.

Despite winning the World Cup Golden Boot in Russia with his six goals, Harry Kane still came under immense criticism for not being more involved. But as his more rounded play of late, particularly against Spain, it is time for the critics to shut up and recognize Kane for what he is - a premier world-class striker.