The scenario of the EURO 2024 final was similar to England's confrontations from the knockout round, they were led by their opponents and then replaced to find an equalizer. After falling behind Spain, Gareth Southgate has begun to make personnel changes. This time, Harry Kane was the first name to be withdrawn after 61 minutes of lackluster play.
British media have suggested that Gareth Southgate should not let Kane start in the final after unconvincing performances. It would be hard to believe that the player leading the list of top scorers for EURO 2024 is also the top scorer in England's history to be on the bench in the final. However, the match at Olympiastadion, Berlin proved that Harry Kane's starting against Spain was truly a wrong decision by Southgate.
According to statistics, the England captain had 1 shot blocked, successfully competed 2/6 times, touched the ball 13 times, passed 50% accurately and lost the ball 6 times. Kane's disappointing performance received 6.5 points from Sofascore - the second lowest in the England team. In a final, where every moment, every touch, run or finish is important, Kane appears slow and is the weakest link of the "Three Lions".
Ahead of EURO 2024, fans expect the 30-year-old captain to lead England to the championship, when he has had explosive form in the 2023-2024 season. Although he is no longer as energetic as at EURO 2020 or the World Cup 2022, his class and experience still help Harry Kane shine against Slovakia in the round of 16 of EURO 2024.
However, physical problems and back injuries are making the Bayern Munich striker slow and harmless in front of the opponent's goal. At EURO 2024, Kane left many doubts after his unconvincing performance. Although he won the Golden Boot award, the 30-year-old captain's goals all came from the penalty spot or from close range in an open position.
Throughout his career, Harry Kane has set many scoring records but has not had a special moment to remember. The titles are constantly changing the face of the 30-year-old star in both club and national team jersey. In the final 6 matches, Kane has never shined even once. At Tottenham Hotspur, the striker born in 1993 entered the 2019-2020 Champions League final without fully recovering from injury. Similar to the 2021 League Cup, EURO 2020 and German Super Cup finals, Kane was not at his best.
A great player needs big matches to affirm his talent. However, the finals often come at times that are not suitable for Harry Kane. Despite being the captain of the final of 2 consecutive EURO, the Bayern Munich striker could not help England win the championship.
Kane's career is defined by his determination to strive for titles. However, as the finals have passed through defeat, Harry Kane will forever be remembered only for statistics, instead of collective titles.
