Kane to start England's Czech Republic clash despite early Euro 2020 struggles

Harry Kane will start England's final group-stage match against the Czech Republic on Tuesday at Wembley, Gareth Southgate confirmed on Sunday. The decision comes after a difficult opening to Euro 2020 for the Tottenham striker, who has failed to register a single shot on target across England's first two matches—a 1-0 win over Croatia and a 0-0 draw with Scotland.

Kane managed just 19 touches in the Scotland game before being substituted in the 74th minute. For a player who arrived at the tournament as England's most prolific finisher—23 goals and 14 assists in the Premier League last season—the early struggles have drawn scrutiny. Yet Southgate showed no hesitation when asked if his captain would play again. "You can assume that, yes, absolutely," the manager said. "He is fundamental not only to the goals he scores but the build-up play and everything else he brings."

Southgate acknowledged the questions swirling around Kane but framed them as routine noise. "I know there will be a lot of questions being asked about him at the moment but he has been through that 100 times before," Southgate said. "He has come up with the goals that have won us the next games and I expect that to be the same moving forward. He is our most important player." Kane carries 34 goals in 56 appearances for England and won the World Cup Golden Boot in 2018, a record Southgate leaned on as evidence of his captain's pedigree under pressure.

Kane's teammates offered their own backing. Kieran Trippier, the Atletico Madrid defender and former Tottenham colleague, said he believed Kane would find his rhythm. "He works so hard for the team and people might not recognise what he does off the ball," Trippier said. "Harry's chances will come and, for sure, he will score goals." Phil Foden, the Manchester City midfielder, went further, suggesting the problem lay not with Kane but with England's overall attacking shape. "I don't think he looks tired. I just don't think we've created enough chances for him so it's not been his fault," Foden said. "He's the best in the penalty area, but teams aren't stupid. They know what they need to do to stop him and Scotland put a lot of men around him."

England's attacking output across the tournament has been modest. They have scored just one goal—Raheem Sterling's winner against Croatia—and managed only three shots on target in two matches. Yet the team sits in a commanding position to advance. With four points already secured, England will finish as group winners if they beat the Czech Republic, finish second with a draw, and only drop to third if they lose and Scotland overtake them on goal difference. Trippier reflected the mood of cautious confidence. "Two clean sheets, four points on the board, we know we can do better but we are on four points, in a good position," he said. "Everyone is feeling good and calm and everyone is looking forward to the Czech Republic on Tuesday."