Euro 2020: Harry Kane is England’s ‘most important player’ and will keep place – Gareth Southgate

 

England Football coach Gareth Southgate has put his trust in Harry Kane as his team is ready to take on group D toppers Czech Republic on Tuesday at Wembley Stadium, England. Harry Kane who is on the receiving end of the criticism following a sluggish display in 0-0 draw against old rivals Scotland, has been backed by the head coach.

Surprisingly, it is Czech Republic who is sitting on top of the group and both England and Czech Republic only need a draw to advance to round of 16.

Regardless, the English coach has already made it clear that the Tottenham striker will be in the playing XI against the Czechs, emphasising that Kane’s overall game is just as important as his goals.

‘He is fundamental, not only to the goals he scores but the build-up play and everything else he brings,’ said southgate.

‘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’, added the head coach of england.

In defence, Southgate could once again rotate his full-backs, while Harry Maguire is pushing for a start – but successive clean sheets mean Tyrone Mings and John Stones could continue at centre-back.

Although a draw would cement the team’s progress to the next level, the Three Lions would surely like to be in the next round by topping the group, providing essential momentum for the next round as the team would face teams from group F which includes teams like Germany, Portugal, France and Hungary.

So given the fact that England know the next possible opponents, they would certainly like to take some confidence along in the next round and a good convincing victory against the Czechs would deliver that.

 

Czech Republic vs England predicted lineups

Czech Republic Predicted XI: Vaclik; Coufal, Celustka, Kalas, Boril; Soucek, Holes; Masopust, Darida, Jankto; Schick

England Predicted XI: Pickford; James, Stones, Mings, Trippier; Phillips, Rice; Grealish, Foden, Sterling; Kane