Southgate: Kane is smiles better

GARETH Southgate reckons Three Lions skipper Harry Kane is finally ready to roar at the Euros.

Kane (below) made a woeful start and failed to score in the group to find his place in the team in doubt.

But Southgate refused to axe his talisman and was rewarded when Kane struck his first goal in five games on Tuesday night to complete England’s stunning 2- 0 win over old enemies Germany in the last 16.

Perfect

Southgate admits Kane had the perfect night against Joachim Low’s men to lift the pressure on his shoulders — and could now become the smiling assassin.

Southgate said: “That will be a high release for him, there is no question about that. We know with Harry and Raheem, their goalscoring record with us has been immense and so important.

“We cannot just expect Harry to be the one to deliver, so Raheem has weighed in at a crucial moment and is looking electric, but if we can get Harry scoring as well that is great for us as a team.

Pressure

“I think the life of a centre-forward is a lot of pressure. There is a huge expectation and, although at times it would feel from the outside it is a glamorous position to be in and they certainly get paid well, it comes with immense pressure and expectation.

“Not only is there the public expectation but there is an inherent desire and drive that centre-forwards have that if you win the game and they don’t score, they are irritated.

“They cannot help that. That is the mindset of the top players. So this will have been a perfect day for him. He wants the team to win more than anything else, but for the team to win and him to score, without a doubt that will put a big smile on his face.”