England captain Harry Kane has been praised for his “classy” response after multiple pundits took aim at his team’s start to Euro 2024.
The response comes after England‘s fairly reserved opening games, beating Serbia 1-0 but playing pretty defensively for most of the game and a similar display in the 1-1 draw against Denmark.
Understandably, fans and pundits alike haven’t been too impressed with their start to the tournament; most notably Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker said that “Kane needs to do better” on BBC coverage. The latter described England’s showing in the second game as “sh*t” on The Rest Is Football podcast.
However, Kane hasn’t let the comments go unanswered, issuing a short but sweet reply to pundits following the early verdict on Gareth Southgate’s side this far, urging them to think twice and just “remember” what it’s like to be in that situation.
Gary Lineker called England's performance against Denmark 'shit'.
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) June 23, 2024
This was Harry Kane's response:
🎥 @HaytersTV pic.twitter.com/APTRSI3u2t
Insisting that he’ll never be “disrespectful to any player, especially a player who has worn the shirt and knows what it is like to play for England,” he couldn’t have put it better, simply stating: “Remember what it’s like to wear the shirt”.
Level-headed from the skipper – who was already one of the first to admit that he knows England haven’t been at their very best – and it seems that rather than joining in with the criticism, most fans found his response pitch-perfect.
Popular footy account, The 44, called it “a very classy response from our country’s captain”, while another added: “Excellent response from Harry Kane to be fair.”
Author Hashi Mohamed went on to say: “Kane is often portrayed as thick. But this thoughtful response to former players and now pundits is very thoughtful. Lineker and the others have a responsibility to build up not tear down. Be honest but be constructive too. They’re still human beings.
On the other hand, not everyone was so convinced by the Bayern Munich striker’s words, with many stating that the talking just needs to be done on the pitch.
That Harry Kane press conference is verging onto implosion stuff.
— Hugh Woozencroft (@HughWoozencroft) June 23, 2024
You don't play well, you get criticism.
Kane, Saka, Bellingham, Foden, Rice, Alexander-Arnold are showered with huge praise most of the time.
The only response should be a desire to prove them wrong. #England
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Kane did go on to add that “what ex-players or ex-players who are pundits now have got to realise it is very hard not to listen to it now” in the age of social media and it’s “tough” enough to represent your country without having to hear that from your peers and role models.
He also warned them to be extra mindful of the younger players “who are not used to it or some players who are new to the environment.”
England take on Slovenia tomorrow (Tuesday, 25 June) at 8pm and although they are likely to qualify with the four points they already have, singing off the group stages with a win would do wonders for their own confidence and across the nation.
Whatever you’ve made of Southgate and co. so far, there aren’t many times when the whole country gets to come together like this, so let’s get behind them.
It’s coming home, keep believing.
Featured Images — The Rest Is Football (via YouTube)TNT Sports/BBC Sport
