Harry Kane's England teammates have shown their support for him following a series of lackluster performances at Euro 2024. Luke Shaw and Trent Alexander-Arnold have commended their captain's leadership and the danger he presents to opponents. Despite Kane's two goals in the tournament, his lack of speed and limited opportunities have sparked calls for him to be benched for the semifinal against the Netherlands in Dortmund. However, Alexander-Arnold defended Kane, stating that England's all-time leading scorer can create opportunities out of nothing. "Anyone facing England would prefer not to see Harry Kane on the field," he noted. "He is a constant threat. In and around the penalty area, you must be alert. He can score from any angle. He is the best finisher I've seen or played with. He can drop deep to build play, and his hold-up play is exceptional."
England's attack has struggled at Euro 2024, with Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden failing to replicate their club form. Their usual penetrating runs into the box have been absent. Bukayo Saka was more effective in the quarterfinal win over Switzerland, scoring a crucial equalizer that led to extra time and penalties, but he hesitated to use his speed to challenge defenders who had difficulty containing him. Left back Shaw, who recovered from injury to play in the Switzerland match, described Kane as a world-class player. "He can score at any moment and make a difference. He's a vital player and our captain," Shaw said. "If you give him space in and around the box, he will score. He takes the chances we know he can, we see his quality daily and understand what he brings to the team. It's crucial he remains on the pitch."
Shaw also mentioned that Kane maintains the right mindset despite his performance. "I don't sense any frustration from him; he's the same Harry we've known from the start of the camp, unchanged," he stated. "He would have liked to score more goals, but nothing has changed; he remains very positive. He's our captain, our leader, and he leads by example, and we all follow him."
