Pundit U-turn with ominous Kane claim, as major realisation made over Southgate’s England
Alan Shearer performed a dramatic U-turn on Harry Kane’s Euro 2020 chances following his crucial goal for England in their win over Germany.
The Tottenham striker has long made himself known among his peers as the Three Lions’ most influential player. The England captain is well on course to break Wayne Rooney’s goalscoring record. However, he has struggled in this summer’s tournament – that is, until he came to life in Tuesday’s last-16 clash.
Luke Shaw began the attack and found substitute Jack Grealish, who teed up Kane for an easy finish to make it 2-0 and seal a historic win.
Before that moment, though, the forward had struggled in all three Group D matches. Indeed, ex-England striker Shearer had proved a critic of the 27-year-old after the 1-0 win over Croatia.
Speaking after the landmark knockout win, though, the pundit admitted delight to see Kane score.
“”You know what, we’ve been waiting for Harry to ignite, haven’t we,” he told BBC Sport.
“That might just start his tournament off, because he’s found it tough for long periods in the afternoon.
“His movement wasn’t great, but that’s what starts you off with a simple opportunity like that.
“He should have put that away in the first half, he didn’t, but you keep on going. You get yourself into a position, the ball comes into the box, that is just what might get him going now.”
Rio Ferdinand added: “Harry Kane needed this goal, by the way. It’s a great goal, a big goal, but he needed this.
“He was probably the performer on the pitch where everyone was saying, ‘You know what, if anyone’s going to come off up front, he’s going to come off because of his performance.”
Raheem Sterling scored England’s other goal – his third of Euro 2020 – as he continued his heroics for Gareth Southgate’s team.
Pundit in major England realisation
Former Germany star Jurgen Klinsmann may not have enjoyed his afternoon at Wembley, but he backed England to continue to impress.
Indeed, he noted that, after shock exits earlier this week, the Three Lions have the strongest set of substitutes of the nations remaining.
“Yeah, obviously France is not there anymore,” Klinsmann said.
“Holland is not there anymore, Germany’s not there anymore. It’s a very strong bench that England has, they should be proud.”
Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho and Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson have yet to play a minute between them, while Phil Foden and Mason Mount were not included against Germany.
Harry Maguire may have returned to the defence, but he had to budge an impressive Tyrone Mings out.
READ MORE: Rio Ferdinand sticks it to Mourinho as Luke Shaw produces England masterclass
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