YES, ENGLAND HAVE WORKED KANE TOO HARD, BUT SO HAS MOURINHO

JOSE MOURINHO has a valid point about England’s overuse of Harry Kane. He may be the captain, he may wish to play every minute, but this is not a desire that should be indulged. A review of Kane’s international appearances this season shows there was ample opportunity for more rest.

If we take three goals to be a reasonable cushion against inferior opposition, England achieved that against Bulgaria in September after 55 minutes, but left Kane on until the 77th. They were 4-1 up on Kosovo after 44 minutes and led 5-1 by half-time, yet Kane (right) played the full 90.

He lasted the entire game against Bulgaria in October, too, despite a 4-0 half-time lead and remained on the field a further 27 minutes after England had achieved a 4-0 advantage against Montenegro to confirm qualification for the European Championship.

Then, most ridiculously, he played 90 minutes in Kosovo in what was a dead rubber. Ball-park, he has missed out on two and a half games of potential rest for England this season, roughly 229 minutes. Yet Tottenham are no better. They were 4-0 up against Crystal Palace after 42 minutes in September, yet Kane played for 85. Tottenham led Red Star Belgrade by three goals after 44 minutes in the Champions League but Kane played the entire game.

In the return leg, the same leading margin arrived on 61 minutes, yet Kane was left on until the end once more. Then Mourinho took over and nothing changed. Tottenham were 3-0 up on West Ham after 49 minutes, Kane played 90. Tottenham were 3-0 up on Bournemouth after 69 minutes, Kane played 90. Tottenham were 3-0 up on Burnley after 32 minutes, Kane played 90. So, yes, England have a case to answer, but so do successive Tottenham managers.

And Spurs chairman Daniel Levy, too, if he has failed to provide the squad with cover to allow Kane’s workload to be shouldered elsewhere. He never used to be this injury-prone.