Harry PRATT
ARETH SOUTHGATE is convinced Antonio Conte has arrived at Tottenham just in the nick of time to resurrect Harry Kane.
Following a turbulent summer amid his failed attempt to join Manchester City, the prolific England marksman has been a shadow of his lethal self.
One goal in 10 league games, five of which ended in defeat and ultimately led to the sacking of Spurs boss Nuno Espirito Santo on Monday, is a desperate return.
England boss Southgate (below) insists he has no concerns regarding Kane’s England form – even if he did fire blanks in the draw against
Hungary last time out.
However, he believes Conte’s arrival is good news for the striker.
Ahead of the upcoming World
Cup qualifiers against Albania and
San Marino, Southgate said: “Antonio coming in is probably a good thing from Harry’s personal point of view.
“Knowing Antonio as I do, an outstanding coach and a very good man, I’m sure he’ll get a response and a reaction out of Harry quickly.
“It’s been a really difficult summer for everybody.
“For Nuno, going into a club where the relationship with Harry is the first thing you are dealing with – a player who has asked to leave.
“Harry’s ended up, understandably, with an adverse reaction from some fans.
“Now there’s a change of manager I think there is going to be a fresh start for him.’’
Even if he has been struggling at Spurs, Kane’s England record remains exceptional. So good that Southgate cannot envisage dropping him for a major game – though he is prepared to hook him when things need shaking up.
That happened against Hungary, as well twice during England’s run to the Euro 2020 final.
Southgate went on: “The fact of the matter is that Harry has 41 goals in 65 internationals.when we need to win a game there’s nobody we trust more, if a chance drops, than Harry.
“He’s the outstanding centre forward of his generation.
“That doesn’t mean that I’ve avoided taking him off a couple of times because I’ve wanted to spark something different.
“Is he undroppable? I think we’ve answered that question.
But he’s the one we have faith in.”