England’s Harry Kane problem at Euro 2020: Hooked twice and he’s had just three shots

England’s Harry Kane problem: Hooked twice by Gareth Southgate, he’s had three shots at Euro 2020 – none of them on target – and only touched the ball SIX times in the opposition box


Harry Kane has become an increasing concern for England at Euro 2020 after their captain fired blanks again against Scotland at Wembley.

The 27-year-old epitomised the Three Lions’ struggles on Friday evening in breaking down a resilient Scotland, with Gareth Southgate‘s men putting in a lethargic display in their goalless stalemate against Steve Clarke’s side.

Kane had just 19 touches in 74 minutes – his fewest ever in an international fixture – and failed to produce a single shot on target before he was replaced by Marcus Rashford.

Harry Kane once again struggled for England in their goalless stalemate with Scotland

Kane had just 19 touches in 74 minutes and failed to produce a single shot on target

Kane had just 19 touches in 74 minutes and failed to produce a single shot on target

And statistics from Opta and Sofascore show just how concerning the Tottenham star’s form is currently ahead of their final Group D fixture against Czech Republic on Tuesday.

Kane has managed just three shots in the whole tournament, one of which came with that gilt-edged chance at the back post against Croatia from Mason Mount’s cross. That miss has gone down as one of two big chances missed. 

The other two shots came against Steve Clarke’s men but having failed to produce a shot on target at the finals so far, Southgate will be concerned with how his star man is performing in front of goal.

Perhaps even more worrying for England fans is the six touches inside the box that Kane has managed in two games at Wembley.

He was then replaced by Marcus Rashford for the final 16 minutes of their Euro 2020 clash

He was then replaced by Marcus Rashford for the final 16 minutes of their Euro 2020 clash

Kane has yet to register a shot on target in the tournament, having missed a good chance against Croatia on Sunday

Kane has yet to register a shot on target in the tournament, having missed a good chance against Croatia on Sunday

Creativity and producing chances for Kane was a notable issue on both occasions, and the consequent lack of touches for him inside the box will require urgent attention.

Both of his sub-par performances have seen him hooked, with Jude Bellingham coming on in the final 10 minutes for the Spurs striker against Croatia on Sunday.

The intent with his passing still appears to be there, but Kane will no doubt be looking to improve on his 63 per cent pass completion rate, having failed with 10 of his 27 passes so far in the tournament.

Kane has completed eight of his 14 passes in the final third, and 63 per cent of his overall passes

Kane has completed eight of his 14 passes in the final third, and 63 per cent of his overall passes

Kane has also completed eight of the 14 passes he has attempted in the final third, where England lacked cohesion on Friday night. 

He has also won eight of his 13 duels, but has lost possession 16 times and has played a pass into the final third on just three occasions at Euro 2020. 

It is a worrying return from a player who at his last major tournament scored six goals and was never taken off on his way to winning the Golden Boot. 

‘It’s part of the game,’ Kane said of his substitution against Scotland. ‘The manager felt that was the right decision so you just have to take it. It is what it is.’

Southgate claimed Kane's substitution was to do with England needing more energy and runs

Southgate claimed Kane’s substitution was to do with England needing more energy and runs

Southgate explained Kane’s substitution afterwards by saying that England needed more energy and runs in behind Scotland’s back three in the final quarter, although the introduction of Rashford did not have the desired effect.

‘We needed more runs in behind and I felt Marcus would give us that energy,’ Southgate said. ‘We have to make these decisions based on what we see.

‘The whole team can look at ourselves, and that starts with me. We’ve got to be better. We didn’t do enough to win the game tonight, there were not enough attempts on goal, and we have to go away and look at that.’