By half-time in Gelsenkirchen, Harry Kane was doing his best Erling Haaland impression. Not in terms of goalscoring feats, but by standing on the periphery, waiting for his moment. If Haaland has cracked the code to produce the displays of the most ruthless efficiency since arriving in the Premier League, averaging a goal a game while barely having a touch for dominant Manchester City, England, it seems, have a similar plan for their captain.
Except when Kane comes away from England’s Euro 2024 opener against Serbia having touched the ball just 24 times, including just twice in the first half, the logic of isolating the tournament’s leading striker can come into question. Kane was largely anonymous against Serbia as Gareth Southgate’s side held on to claim a narrow and nervy 1-0 win, having the fewest touches and passes (nine from 12 attempts) in England’s starting line-up. That, however, does not necessarily mean it is a bad thing.
