Kane unrest will rage on
GARETH SOUTHGATE fully expects Harry Kane's transfer uncertainty to hang over the England captain's head throughout Euro 2020.
The Tottenham ace, below, has made it clear he wants to leave to win trophies and expressed his hope that his future could be sorted before the tournament. However, England boss Southgate has resigned himself to the fact that the speculation is likely to rage all summer, with Manchester City, United and Chelsea all keen. Southgate said: “He’s obviously made some statements in the
last few days. I’m very realistic about those things.We’re not going to stop phones ringing, we’re not going to control conversations that are going on in private.
“But I expect most deals are done at the end of tournaments or the first week after the season.
“I’d expect anything across the board with our players to be done after the tournament.”
Southgate said he was confident that the uncertainty would not affect Kane’s performances.
“I don’t need to have a conversation with Harry regarding focus or professionalism,” he added. “He has got one goal while with us and that’s to win the Euros.
“We know how important that is.”
England are without a specialist striker coach after Allan Russell – the man who helped Kane to his Golden Boot success at the 2018World Cup – was sacked in relation to a drink-drive incident.
Southgate will take more general advice from Newcastle No.2 Graeme Jones, who has previously supported Roberto Martinez with Belgium.
Meanwhile, Brendan Rodgers says luck has been cruel to James Maddison, who was not picked despite having some sublime moments this season at Leicester.
Foxes boss Rodgers said: “He’s been unfortunate. He didn’t start the season and it was difficult for him but he got a run of games and was exceptional. It was looking good.
“Then he’s picked up an injury and he hasn’t got back to the level of fitness he needs.”