We’ve come to expect so much from Harry Kane, that it’s almost surprising when he does have a bad game.
The England captain didn’t have the easiest of starts to Euro 2020 as he was left frustrated by an organised Croatia defence.
Although he worked tirelessly, he didn’t get much going in the final third – except for when he came close to getting on the end of a Mason Mount cross that ended with a heavy collision with the woodwork.
He was replaced by 17-year-old midfielder Jude Bellingham – who incidentally became the youngest ever player to feature at a European Championship - nine minutes from time in a tactical change.
But although he didn’t score, Gareth Southgate felt he led the line well, and with England winning the tie anyways, it doesn’t really matter much that he wasn’t as proactive in front of goal as he usually is.
That’s an opinion shared by Ray Parlour, anyway.
Speaking in an interview with Gambling.com, the Arsenal legend said: “He certainly wasn’t himself but the standards he has set for himself are extraordinarily high so when he drops below that standard he gets questioned.
“Is he fit enough? Can he be as good for England as he is for Spurs? I’m sure he’s fine, he’s experienced enough to know he didn’t have a great game but he can put it behind him and make sure he’s ready for Scotland.”
Luckily for Kane, others are chipping in when it matters for England. Raheem Sterling, who scored the goals only game on Sunday, has now netted 13 times in his last 17 appearances for his country, and could well continue that form in England’s next match-up.
And the Tottenham striker still has plenty of time to make his mark in this tournament: “It was an indifferent game but I’m sure Southgate will still be feeling that Kane will play a major part in this tournament because we all know how good he is. It was just an off game, everybody has them.”
