Euro 2016: England manager Roy Hodgson 'urged to drop Tottenham striker Harry Kane' amid burn-out fears
Kane was the highest goal-scorer in the Premier League last season with 25 goals for Tottenham
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Roy Hodgson has reportedly been urged by senior figures in the England camp to drop Harry Kane amid concerns over his fitness.
The Tottenham Hotspur striker was the highest goal-scorer in the Premier League last season, with 25 goals, but struggled to make an impact during the European Championship Group B opener against Russia.
Eric Dier, his Spurs team-mate, scored a fierce free-kick in the 73rd minute only for Vasili Berezutski's stoppage-time equaliser to break England hearts and hand Russia a scarcely deserved point.
Hodgson has thus far resisted the temptation to strip Kane of his place in the starting-line up with the 22-year-old regularly featuring for England since bursting onto the scene during the 2014-15 season.
But reports by The Sun suggests there is concern that Kane has burned out after making 50 appearances across four competitions for Mauricio Pochettino’s men last season.
Jamie Vardy, the Leicester City striker, was an unused substitute for the draw against Russia on Saturday night with supporters growing increasingly frustrated at his lack of opportunities under Hodgson.
Meanwhile, Kane has rubbished Gareth Bale’s comments that England lack pride at major tournaments, fueling the Anglo-Welsh rivalry ahead of the meeting between the two home island nations on Thursday.
He said: “We have got great players. We aren’t no mugs, we’re a good side. That’s his opinion because he is Welsh. We have got passionate fans — the atmosphere in Marseilles felt like a home game.
“We know it’s a derby. We know how much it is going to mean to us and our fans. We are looking forward to it. It is a key game.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments