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Harry Kane’s Fitness in Spotlight
England’s captain Harry Kane’s condition has become a point of concern after he was substituted in the recent 1-1 draw against Denmark. Despite scoring, Kane was taken off the pitch, highlighting potential fitness issues that England manager Gareth Southgate is carefully monitoring.
Southgate’s Tactical Changes
In an attempt to inject some dynamism into the team, Southgate made a significant triple substitution. Kane, Phil Foden, and Bukayo Saka made way for fresh legs in the form of Ollie Watkins, Eberechi Eze, and Jarrod Bowen. Southgate explained the move was to introduce speed and energy into the frontline after a demanding previous game.
Kane’s Pre-Tournament Fitness Woes
Before the tournament, Kane’s back problem, which caused him to miss the final two games of the Bundesliga season with Bayern Munich, was already a cause for concern. With England’s next match against Slovenia on the horizon, Southgate will be hoping his star striker is in peak condition as England looks to secure a place in the knockout rounds.
Match Ratings: England’s Players Assessed
The match saw mixed performances from the England squad. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and defender John Stones received a 6, with Pickford making a crucial save and Stones’ fitness in question. Kyle Walker, with a rating of 7, was instrumental in setting up Kane’s goal, while Marc Guehi stood out as the star man with an 8, impressing with his sharp defensive work. Midfielder Trent Alexander-Arnold’s midfield experiment continued to raise doubts, earning him a 5, and Declan Rice also struggled, mirroring that score. Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden were bright spots, both securing a 7, with Saka’s consistent attacking threat and Foden’s dangerous shots from distance.
Substitutes Make Their Mark
The substitutes each made a contribution, with Conor Gallagher’s vital clearance earning him a 7, while Ollie Watkins and Jarrod Bowen both received a 6. Eberechi Eze, making his tournament debut, was less involved but still played a part in the team’s overall performance.
As England prepares for their next fixture, the focus remains on the fitness of key players and the tactical decisions of Southgate, which could be crucial in their campaign’s success.
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