Kane to Start for England against Czech, Says Southgate

England striker Harry Kane will start his side’s final Euro 2020 group game against the Czech Republic, manager Gareth Southgate confirmed yesterday.

The Tottenham striker, 27, failed to have a shot on target in England’s win over Croatia and draw with Scotland.

But Southgate said his captain will start again at Wembley on Tuesday.

“You can assume that, yes, absolutely,” he said. “He is fundamental not only to the goals he scores but the build-up play and everything else he brings.”

Kane is England’s talisman, winning the World Cup Golden Boot in 2018, and headed into this tournament having finished with the most goals and assists of any player in the Premier League last season (23 and 14, respectively).

“I know there will be a lot of questions being asked about him at the moment but he has been through that 100 times before and I have answered that in this role several times in the past,” Southgate added.

“He has come up with the goals that have won us the next games and I expect that to be the same moving forward. He is our most important player.”

England full-back Kieran Tripper is confident his former Tottenham team-mate will rediscover his goalscoring touch at the tournament.

“I believe in Harry,” said the Atletico Madrid defender. “He works so hard for the team and people might not recognise what he does off the ball.

“Harry’s chances will come and, for sure, he will score goals.”

Kane has 34 goals in 56 games for England, but his difficult start to Euro 2020 continued against Scotland as he managed just 19 touches before being substituted on 74 minutes.

“Harry has had an unbelievable season with Spurs,” added Trippier. “He is working hard in training and it is about getting the chances to him.