“This is why it worries me with Harry Kane” - Arsenal legend explains big concern about England captain facing Van Dijk in Euro 2024 semi-final
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has raised a major concern ahead of England's Euro 2024 semi-final clash against the Netherlands. The pundit has questioned whether Harry Kane can compete against Virgil van Dijk given his recent form.
Kane enjoyed an extraordinary 2023-24 campaign, his debut season with Bayern Munich, scoring 44 goals in 45 games across all competitions. He's also scored two goals at the Euro 2024, including the match-winner in the Round of 16 against Slovakia.
However, Harry Kane struggled to make a meaningful impact in the quarter-final win over Switzerland, registering just two shots in total and five touches in the opposition box.
The England international seemed weary during the fixture and was subbed off in the 109th minute. This led to concerns over whether he's still suffering from fitness issues after missing the final two games of last season for Bayern Munich through injury. Kane confirmed after the match that he was tired, but insisted that he isn't injured.
Speaking on his podcast, Wright admitted that he was worried whether Kane could apply pressure on a veteran defender like Van Dijk. The former England striker said (via Metro):
"We’re going to need somebody to put Virgil van Dijk under pressure. We need someone to make him a little uneasy. This is why it worries me with Harry Kane and his form at the moment."
"I think we’re going to need a focal point and someone in and around Virgil, to make him a little uneasy, backing in to him, leaning in to him, doing all the stuff that Virgil doesn’t like."
"He’s that accomplished defender who likes time, he likes to nick the ball away. So I think you need someone around him who’s going to make him feel a little bit uneasy."
The Three Lions will play the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 semi-finals on Wednesday (July 10).
Ian Wright makes prediction for Euro 2024 semi-final between England and Netherlands
While he is anxious about the battle between Kane and Van Dijk, Ian Wright remains confident that England can beat the Netherlands and proceed to the Euro 2024 final.
The pundit believes that the players have gained confidence after their win over the Swiss while highlighting Luke Shaw's return to action. The Manchester United defender missed most of last season due to injury and was an unused substitute for England's Euro 2024 fixtures until the quarter-finals.
Wright said:
"My takeaway from the England game is that there’s enough there now to hang your hat on. You can hang your hat on something now. Players are more confident and fit, Luke Shaw coming back could be a massive confidence boost to the team."
Predicting a 2-1 scoreline in favor of the Three Lions against the Dutch, the former Arsenal striker added:
"You’ve got to go into that game feeling confident. I’m quite confident now that we’re capable of beating the Netherlands. I think we will, I think we (England) beat them 2-1."