“I don’t mean that in a horrible way, but I hope he’s injured” - Paul Merson offers opinion on Harry Kane struggling at Euro 2024
Pundit Paul Merson has provided his take on Harry Kane's performances for England at Euro 2024. The Bayern Munich striker looked out of sorts at this year's European Championships, as The Three Lions failed to get over the line in the final against Spain.
Throughout the tournament, Kane netted three goals in seven appearances, with one coming from the penalty spot. Speaking about the former Tottenham Hotspur attacker's campaign at Euro 2024, Merson told Football's Greatest:
"I'm hoping he was injured (in the final). Is he done at the top level for Engalnd? I hope not. I think he's still top draw. Is it (because of) the German league (that he has suffered)?"
"I know he's scored a million goals but German football you see the scores, they just open the game up. Bottom (club) of German league will go to Bayern Munich and get beat 7-2."
He added:
"I don't mean that in a horrible way, but I hope he's injured. I'm one his biggest fans and I just couldn't believe what I was watching. If I was playing where Foden and Bellingham were playing, I would've been gutted. I know you're relying on me to give you the ball, but I need movement (from you)."
Overall, Kane has made 98 appearances across competitions for The Three Lions until now, bagging 66 goals in the process. With Ollie Watkins stepping up in the few minutes he had, Kane's time with the national team may be limited.
Gareth Southgate has made a Harry Kane fitness claim after England's Euro 2024 exit
England manager Gareth Southgate believes Harry Kane was short of games and seemingly not up to full fitness heading into Euro 2024. The 30-year-old suffered a back problem before the start of this tournament.
At the time, it wasn't sure if Kane would be fit enough for his team's first game of the tournament. However, the striker managed to start their first group game against Serbia.
Speaking about Kane, Southgate said (via Football London):
"I think physically it has been a tough period for him. He came in short of games and not quite got up to the level we'd have all hoped. The games have been hugely demanding."
To the surprise of many, Kane's international form did not correspond with his club season. With Bayern Munich, the Englishman bagged 36 goals in 32 Bundesliga matches in the 2023/24 campaign.