Alan Shearer wades in on Harry Kane debate after Gary Lineker offered England theory

Alan Shearer has calmed concerns over Harry Kane’s tricky evening against Serbia and is backing him for success at Euro 2024.

The England captain was almost anonymous in the Three Lions’ 1-0 opening group win. The Bayern Munich frontman had just one opportunity - a header that was well saved by Serbia goalkeeper Predrag Rajković.

Heading into the second group game against Denmark, Shearer has given his say on Kane’s role within the team and has no worries about his form.

Speaking to Betfair, the former England striker said: “Without touching the ball hardly in the first half, Harry Kane had a role to play, in terms of staying upfront and trying to keep defender occupied, which left space for the other players. In the second half he came deeper and deeper and I don't think that really helped the team.

“In the last 10 or 15 minutes he went upfront more because every time we were defending and winning the ball we were kicking it back upfront and there was no one there to fight and battle for it because he was trying to help out the defence as well. We needed him to stay up front, win the ball and get free kicks, which he did.

“‌As a centre forward, I wouldn't be too concerned when you're not having touches of the ball, it's different for players in other positions, because as a striker you only need one touch that matters and he had his big chance, when Bowen came on and did really well in the second half, he had that great header, but it was an unbelievable save from the goalkeeper and that is life at international level.

‌”You might not be involved in the game, then all of a sudden you get that one opportunity and sometimes that's all you need, unfortunately for him it didn't go in the other night, but I'm not one to worry when strikers don't have too much of the ball, particularly at international level, because you know you're going to get that one chance.

Harry Kane

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‌”I'm not worrying about Harry Kane, he's experienced enough, he's played at this level, he's won a golden boot in the World Cup. He will score goals, I have no doubt about it.”

Shearer is not the only former England striker to have offered his say on Kane’s stuttering form. Gary Lineker also shared his thoughts. While he recognised that Kane hadn’t been as much of a threat as usual, he is still playing a vital role for the Three Lions.

"Harry Kane isn't necessarily sacrificing himself for the team in terms of the fact he can still get in the box and score goals," he said. "He won't be worried at all.

"He is playing his part, he's not dropping deep like we've seen from him in the past, he's keeping Serbia deep to make that space for the creative players behind him. He won't care about general touches, just those he can make to put the ball in the back of the net.”

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