Sadlier warns that Harry Kane’s ‘odd’ comments could cause problems for England

England may have taken four points from their first two Euro 2024 games, but the media has had a usually negative reaction, with former players expressing concern.

The EURO 2020 finalists entered the competition as one of the favourites to win it all, but their first two games against Serbia and Denmark have proven them wrong.

Though they crossed the line against Serbia, the Danes eventually held them to a draw, and the English media has began to acknowledge that Southgate’s team has severe concerns with balance.

They are almost certain to make the last 16, but most fans understand that unless anything changes, they will not advance in the competition.

Former England player Gary Lineker described their performance against Denmark as’s***’ and demanded that Harry Kane do more, to which the England striker responded furiously in a later press conference.

“It is just the reality that they know that it is tough to play in these major tournaments and tough to play for England,” Kane told ESPN.

“I’d never belittle a player. All I’d say is recall what it’s like to wear the shirt and how their remarks are heard. You hear it.

“Everyone wants to win a major tournament. Being as helpful as possible and instilling confidence in the lads would be a far better approach.”

Former Ireland striker and current RTE analyst Richie Sadlier was unimpressed with Kane’s retort, saying that it could be a bad indication for Gareth Southgate’s team.

Sadlier, who spoke after Italy’s stalemate with Croatia on Monday night, expressed his surprise at Kane’s decision to seek sympathy from past players and analysts alike.

I believe that if Harry Kane’s words reflect how the squad feels about the criticism they have received, they are in far deeper problems than their playing performances indicate,” Sadlier added.

“Imagine playing so far below their norms for the last two games and then attacking those critics or saying, ‘Your criticism is impacting us, please stop’.

“A pundit’s role is not to cheerlead; it is to critically analyse what they are watching, and if any English pundit has praised those players in the last two games, they are not doing their job.”

“That was unusual.”

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