Gareth Southgate defends Harry Kane before England’s Euro semifinal against Netherlands

Gareth Southgate highlighted Harry Kane's performance against Switzerland, terming it as 'super job'.

Gareth Southgate defends Harry Kane before England’s Euro semifinal against Netherlands

Gareth Southgate backed Harry Kane despite his poor Euros display. (via IMAGO)

England manager Gareth Southgate extended his support for the Three Lions skipper Harry Kane, who has not been in the best of his form at 2024 Euros. The manager emphasized Kane’s immense importance ahead of the Euros semi-final.

The Three Lions are one of the favorites to win the Euros, despite their lackluster performances throughout the group and the knockout stages. Tactical struggles and Southgate’s selection choices have been questioned. Harry Kane and Phil Foden, in particular, have faced heavy criticism. The Bayern Munich star has been struggling to find the back of the net, even being substituted against Switzerland before the penalty shoot-out.

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Gareth Southgate, however, had a different opinion as he often comes out in support of his players. The manager defended the 30-year-old’s recent performances, emphasizing that his overall contribution to the team is immense. He acknowledged that the team’s all-time top-scorer might not be scoring goals as freely as usual, but his defensive work, positioning, and understanding of the game remain valuable assets for England.

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I thought he did a super job for the team (against Switzerland). He is perhaps not flowing, as he is arriving in those deeper areas, but he is still playing an immense part for the group.
Gareth Southgate on Harry Kane (via Daily Mail)

Meanwhile, fans and pundits have called for benching the England captain in favor of in-form players like Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins or Brentford’s Ivan Toney. However, it’s unlikely that Kane will be left out of the semi-finals.

Ex-Chelsea manager tipped to replace Gareth Southgate as next England manager after 2024 Euros

A number of former players and BBC pundits backed Frank Lampard to replace Gareth Southgate as the next England head coach. The former Chelsea player-turned-manager last managed the Blues before leaving in 2023.

Gareth Southgate replacement
Pundits suggested Frank Lampard as Gareth Southgate’s replacement for England’s top job. (via IMAGO)

As England move closer to the Euros 2024 title, it seems likely that Southgate may not continue after the tournament gets over, regardless of whether his side wins or not. In a recent interview, Gary Lineker mentioned that Lampard has a strong tactical understanding and would quickly earn players’ respect. He also suggested Eddie Howe as a potential candidate for the position.

I wouldn't disregard Frank Lampard. I think he tactically gets it. I think the players would respect him immediately.
Gary Linekar on Gareth Southgate’s replacement (via The Sun)

Additionally, BBC pundit Micah Richards praised Lampard’s managerial potential, describing the former Chelsea manager’s analysis as “amazing.”

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