"I would like to see it" – Ex-Chelsea star urges England boss Gareth Southgate to drop Harry Kane for Euro 2024 semi-final
Ex-Chelsea defender Wayne Bridge has stated that Gareth Southgate should drop Harry Kane in England's UEFA Euro 2024 semi-final game against Netherlands on Wednesday (July 10).
The Three Lions, who finished top of Group C at the Euro 2024, defeated Slovakia 2-1 in the last-16 stage of the tournament. Kane scored the crucial winner in extra-time after Jude Bellingham's fine equalizer.
However, the England captain failed to build on his performance in his side's latest 5-3 win on penalties against Switzerland in their last-eight clash. He completed just eight of his 10 passes and recorded one shot before being replaced by Ivan Toney in the 109th minute.
Speaking to British online bookmaker Betfred, Bridge claimed that he would like to witness either Toney or Ollie Watkins in action against Netherlands. He opined (h/t GOAL):
"It would be a big statement for somebody to come out and say 'drop Harry Kane', but if you're in the manager's position, then can you really drop him? I would like to see it however, just to see how things change. I'd love to see either Ivan Toney or Ollie Watkins get more of a chance."
Bridge, who represented England 36 times in his career, concluded:
"It's a big call to drop Harry Kane, but it's one of them that I wish they did in the final group game which they didn't desperately have to win because it would have been good to experiment and see how it goes. If you asked me whether or not to drop Harry Kane, then I'd probably say yes and have Ivan Toney up front but in Gareth's position, it would be a very difficult call to make."
So far, Kane has scored two goals in five matches at the Euro 2024.
Chelsea great says Manchester United star must start England's next Euro 2024 game
Earlier on Saturday (July 6), Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw made his first appearance at the UEFA Euro 2024. He offered his national team some stability on the left flank after coming on as a substitute in the 78th minute of their quarter-final win over Switzerland.
Speaking on BBC, Chelsea legend Frank Lampard claimed that Shaw should start The Three Lions' next Euro 2024 tie. He said (h/t Metro):
"I think if he is fit, he starts. He gives England that balance. He looked pretty good when he came on. If he's fit, I would play him."
Shaw, who is the only left-back in Gareth Southgate's squad, featured in 15 games for United owing to a host of muscle injuries last season.