Kieran Trippier backs misfiring Harry Kane to rediscover his form for England amid striker’s barren spell at Euro 2020 – as the defender insists he has NOT had good enough service and ‘we need to create more for him’
Kieran Trippier has thrown his backing behind misfiring England striker Harry Kane, insisting he is adamant that he ‘will score goals’ at Euro 2020.
Captain Kane has started the Three Lions’ first two group stage matches so far, but was taken off on both occasions after failing to find the net.
His barren patch has now led to question marks over his position and the system around him, but Trippier fully believes his team-mate’s fortunes will soon change.
Kieran Trippier has backed struggling England striker Harry Kane to burst back into top form
‘With Harry, he works so hard for the team and people might not recognise what he does off the ball,’ Trippier said.
‘I believe in Harry and I know he will score goals, Harry’s chances will come and for sure he will score goals.
‘Harry has had an unbelievable season with Spurs. He is working hard in training and it is about getting the chances to him.
Trippier (pictured with Kane) insisted that his team-mate ‘will score goals’ after his poor start
‘He is our captain, our leader, a big player for us and we just need to create chances for him to score goals. We need to get him on the end of chances.’
Kane touched the ball just 19 times against Scotland in his 74 minutes on the field, making it his quietest appearance for England in terms of possession.
The Tottenham frontman admitted being hauled off is ‘part of the game’, and Southgate later explained the change was made to inject more energy up front.
England have four points after beating Croatia and taking a point against the Scots, but the team have been criticised for their limp attacking performances.
Kane was substituted off in both of England’s group stage games and has so far failed to score
Despite this, Gareth Southgate’s team are still in with a chance of finishing in top spot heading into their final fixture in Group D against the Czech Republic.
And Trippier, who was a surprise face at left back in the opener, has opted to focus on the positives from the tournament.
He added: ‘Two clean sheets, four points on the board, we know we can do better (but) we are on four points, in a good position.
Trippier has taken the positives from England’s tally of four points ahead of their final fixture
‘Everyone is feeling good and calm and everyone is looking forward to the Czech Republic on Tuesday.
‘We are in a good position. We have to look forward to Tuesday and get the three points.’
Kane will keep his spot for the crunch clash, Southgate has confirmed to ITV, despite Everton hotshot Dominic Calvert-Lewin waiting in the wings.
Gareth Southgate confirmed to ITV that Kane would keep his spot against the Czech Republic
When asked whether the 27-year-old would start, Southgate replied: ‘You can assume that (he is starting) yes. Absolutely, I don’t mind giving you that one.
‘He is fundamental, not only to the goals he scores but the build up play and everything else he brings.
‘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.’