Harry Kane hails ‘fantastic’ Gareth Southgate as England captain comes out swinging in defence of boss’ tactics
HARRY KANE has come out swinging in defence of Gareth Southgate following criticism of his tactics and selections.
Southgate’s Three Lions are bottom of their Nations League group and must beat Hungary at Molineux on Tuesday night — or face the threat of relegation to the second tier for next year’s European Championship qualifying draw.
But skipper Kane said: “I can’t speak highly enough of Gareth. He’s a fantastic manager and a fantastic person and we are all looking forward to being with each other in another major tournament.”
England have just two draws and a Kane penalty to show for their efforts in the opening three Nations League fixtures.
But the Spurs striker is baffled at the stick dished out by the likes of TV pundit Gary Lineker.
He said: “We have been one of the most successful England teams in the past 50 years, so we’re definitely on the right track.
“If you look at where we were in 2016 compared to where we are now, we have made massive improvements and strides.
“We’ve knocked down a lot of hurdles in major tournaments by doing stuff no England team has done for a long time.
“Of course, we haven’t won anything yet so there is still room to improve — and maybe criticism is part and parcel of things when England don’t win for a couple of games.
“But I’ve been with Gareth since the Under-21s and he really understands what the England team needs to be successful.
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“We’ve created a really good family here and we have a good connection with the fans. So we will keep trying to improve and make the country proud.”
Boss Southgate is under no illusions about the consequences of finishing bottom of a Nations League group that also includes Germany and Italy.
He said: “This group we are in is tougher than most and that’s a consequence of the last Nations League.
“When we’ve had kind draws in the past it’s because we’ve been playing well over a long period.
“Equally, if we don’t get the points we want this time, then we will suffer.
“But it’s not a primary concern. There have got to be bigger objectives than that.”