Lineker claims that Southgate must demand extra from Harry Kane

Gary Lineker has claimed that Gareth Southgate needs to demand more from Harry Kane and stated that the England captain must ‘do a lot better.’

Although Kane found the net in England’s 1-1 draw with Denmark, the striker endured some difficult moments as he didn’t see much of the ball.

That was also the case in England’s 1-0 victory over Serbia in their opening group game, and Lineker believes that Kane should be doing more in order to create space for himself. 

Speaking on BBC Sport, Lineker said: ‘As a striker you have two jobs, score goals, which Harry Kane has been good at all his career, and make space. He needs his manager to come to him and ask a little bit more of him. I would have expected that if I’d put in that kind of performance.

‘Against a back three he has to stretch the play, run one way and then come short so you don’t have to come too far to receive it. He needs to make more space for the midfield players behind him to create chances.’

Lineker claimed that Kane ‘needs to do a lot better’ with regards to his all-round game. 

‘In all honesty Harry Kane needs to do a lot better. His movement was minimal. He didn’t look to go behind and he doesn’t often, but even when he comes short he’s drifting short very lethargically, he’s plodding short and that’s not going to help.’ 

Kane ended up being substituted in the 70th minute, with Ollie Watkins replacing him.

Although Kane boats an overall record of 64 goals in 93 games for England, his performances at Euro 2024 have left a lot to be desired. 

Kane opened the scoring for England in the 18th minute following good work from Kyle Walker.

However, Denmark managed to equalise as Morten Hjulmand equalised in the 34th minute with an impressive strike. 

It will be interesting to see whether Southgate will look to tweak his formation slightly in England’s final group stage game against Slovenia in order to get the best out of Kane.