Maurico Pochettino stunned that Harry Kane has been made the scapegoat for England’s failure at Euro 2016

The Tottenham boss admits he was stunned by the widespread criticism his striker received during and after the Three Lions’ failure in France.

Kane bore the brunt of the stick as Roy Hodgson’s underperforming squad crashed out in the last 16 with a humiliating 2-1 defeat to minnows Iceland.

Poch said: “I was very surprised about the criticism because there was no reason for it. No reason at all.

“Always when you are disappointed with the result you try to find a reason why and the guilty. But for me, Harry Kane was in the same line up as the other players. Some good, some bad.

“It was not just his responsibility. In football you need to share responsibility.

“For me it is the manager first, the coaching staff and then the players. The responsibility is not just down one player.”

Pochettino insists the flak Kane got will not damage his confidence.

The Argie, who has just returned from his club’s pre-season trip Down Under, said: “No. I think he is more mature now and focused on this season. He is very excited to play Champions League.”

And Pochettino assured Tottenham fans their star forward will NOT be taking his team’s corners – like Hodgson bizarrely ordered him to do for England at the Euros.

Poch said: “No. No. No. I don’t want to criticise but Harry is a top scorer - so why would you make him take the free kick or corner if the skill of Harry is to score?

“You need to stay into the box, not outside. This is my idea.”