Silent treatment fuels speculation over Kane future

HARRY KANE was once as prolific at giving interviews as he was scoring goals.

But Kane has taken a very noticeable step back from media duties for club and country while, coincidentally, there have never been so many question marks about his future.

The Three Lions captain (right) didn’t do pre-match interviews ahead of England’s first game in their World Cup qualifying campaign against San Marino but, in fairness, that’s understandable if he’s not definitely starting.

Kane got some stick for not doing much in the last camp but, again, did speak post-match after the Belgium game in November, did an ITV podcast and also an appearance on Good Morning Britain.

But when he was first given the armband, he spoke often and always spoke well because you will not find a player more proud to play for his country than Kane.

The FA are superb at giving access to both Gareth Southgate and England players – even excelling during lockdown while interviews are conducted across Zoom.

Tottenham are one of the best clubs in the Premier League when it comes to access, both pre and post-match, so it does beg the question why Kane has stepped back.

It would be difficult to imagine the striker leaving this summer with three years left on his current deal.

Daniel Levy would not entertain selling to a Premier League rival, few clubs have big money to spend, and ultimately the striker will not push to leave.

However, it’s a real shame we do not hear more from Kane because he’s a good talker, is on course to be England’s greatest-ever goalscorer, and could become Spurs’ best-ever player.

ERIC BAILLY has been involved in protracted contract talks with Manchester United about extending his current deal, which has 12 months to run. Bailly wants to remain at Old Trafford – but not at all costs. There would be no shortage of takers if Bailly did become available this summer. The 26-year-old was easily one of the best defenders in the Premier League during his first season at the club. EFL bosses deserve praise for the strict protocols which have led to all 72 clubs returning no positive tests this week. But it’s done in the face of incredibly difficult times for clubs. For example, League Two Crawley Town face back-to-back away games over Easter, where the hotel bill and coach hire will cost them around £10,000. It’s a world away from the Premier League – and a vast cost to keep football going. THERE are some brilliant post-match interviewers, such as Sky’s Geoff Shreeves and Pat Davison, who consistently strike the right tone with their questions. BT Sport’s Paul Dempsey (right) also did brilliantly after Tottenham’s Europa League defeat to Dinamo Zagreb – but one question did not go down so well with Glenn Hoddle. Dempsey, a terrific broadcaster, put to Jose Mourinho that the Spurs legend called the loss “disastrous and diabolical” during his analysis. Hoddle was said to be less than impressed – even though he was quoted correctly.