Harry Kane’s performance at Euro 2024 has been a source of both praise and criticism. The England captain, who is the joint-top scorer in the tournament with three goals, has had a somewhat muted showing compared to his usual prolific form. This has led to questions about whether he is still the ideal striker for England’s style of play.
While Kane is England’s all-time leading scorer and widely regarded as one of the best strikers in the world, he has faced criticism for his lack of pace and his altered role in the team. He has often been seen as peripheral in games, with his average touches per game significantly lower than in previous tournaments. However, it’s important to note that his touches in the opposition penalty box and shots per game have actually increased, suggesting a shift towards a more classic number nine role.
This change in style was prompted by his move to Bayern Munich last summer. Kane revealed that Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel wanted him to play as a more traditional number nine, rather than the more withdrawn role he had often played for Tottenham Hotspur. Since then, Kane has embraced this new role, scoring a career-best 44 goals in his maiden season at Bayern.
While Kane’s move to Bayern has undoubtedly been a success, the contrasting playing styles of Bayern and England have had an impact on his goalscoring output. Bayern’s high-powered attacking system has provided more opportunities for goals, while England’s more cautious approach has seen Kane play a more subdued role.
Despite the criticism, England manager Gareth Southgate remains a firm supporter of Kane. Southgate acknowledges that Kane’s role has evolved but believes he is still a vital player for the team, providing valuable link-up play and the ability to unlock defenses with his passing. He is not just a goal scorer but a key component of England’s overall game plan.
In the final against Spain, Kane’s ability to unlock the defense with his passing could once again prove pivotal. Despite the questions surrounding his performance, there is no doubt that Kane remains a crucial player for England. He is a world-class striker who has the ability to win games for his team. Ultimately, his impact on the tournament may not be reflected in the number of goals he scores, but in the role he plays in helping England to achieve success.
