Kane’s still key to our firepower

THIS pragmatic approach from England has allowed them to shut out Germany and Brazil. You cannot argue with clean sheets against two of the world’s best sides but I would like to see more from England going forward.

I would expect Gareth Southgate to start with three at the back in Russia but last night showed that he needs Harry Kane for this system to work. Against Brazil, England lacked a focal point.

England are not blessed with great technical players in midfield so it is vital that they have a centre forward who will show for the ball. Jamie Vardy likes to play off the shoulder and hurt teams with his devastating pace, while Marcus Rashford (right) has been effective for Manchester United coming in off the left and running at defenders.

Neither are renowned for their link-up play but either player would work well in tandem with Kane at the World Cup.

Kane is an intelligent, all-round footballer who loves playing alongside pace. He is superb at holding it, linking up and finding balls in behind for a pacy striker.

If I had to pick England’s starting XI for their World Cup opener now I would go for Vardy over Rashford purely on experience — though it is a very close call. Long term, Rashford will be the better player but he will benefit from playing more games in that centre forward position for United.

With Raheem Sterling, Southgate also has the option of switching to a 3-4-3 if things are not working with two strikers. Sterling has played in the No 10 role before but for me he does not get in the team ahead of Dele Alli, who has the benefit of a good understanding with his Tottenham team-mate Kane.

These friendles could have been dangerous for England and their depleted squad but there were real positives from both games. Against superior opposition they have defended well and it has been encouraging to see how John Stones has organised the defence. England have good energy in the wing-back areas, with players who can supply the pace to get up the pitch quickly.

Southgate’s team were compact and made things difficult for Brazil but were unable to create that match-winning chance in behind for Rashford or Vardy (above). Kane was always going to be a big part of any success England have at the World Cup — and his absence last night showed just how crucial he is to this team.