Harry Kane’s Euro 2024 campaign was like a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.
Despite being one of the joint top scorers of the tournament with three goals, sharing the accolade with Danny Olmo and Bayern Munich teammate Jamal Musiala, Kane’s performances have come under sharp scrutiny. This scrutiny comes in spite of his prolific career achievements, including being England’s all-time leading goal scorer, Tottenham’s all-time leading goal scorer, and scoring 44 goals with 56 goal contributions in 45 games in his first season at Bayern Munich. The paradox lies in the fact that Kane, theoretically, should be untouchable in the football world and a strong contender for the 2024 Ballon d’Or. Instead, his place in the England team, and among the pantheon of the game’s all-time greats, has been questioned following the Euros.
The Trophyless Conundrum
The most glaring criticism of Kane is his conspicuous lack of silverware. Despite his Golden Boots, broken records, and individual accolades, Kane has yet to win a single major trophy. This extraordinary record makes him not just the greatest current trophyless footballer but potentially the greatest of all time if he were to retire without a trophy. The narrative suggests that Kane somehow makes teams less likely to win the biggest prizes. He has now played in six finals, lost six finals, and failed to score in six finals. His performance in the Euro 2024 final, and throughout the tournament, was seen as underwhelming for someone coming off the back of such a supreme season.
Injuries and Fitness: The Silent Saboteurs
One of the key questions surrounding Kane’s Euro 2024 campaign is whether he was fully fit. There are some who believe Kane wasn’t struggling with any injury or fitness problems, a perspective that seems baffling given Kane’s history. Kane’s back injury, which forced him out of Bayern Munich’s Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid, was a significant factor. Despite the injury, Kane started every game for England at the Euros, illustrating his importance to the team. However, his injury likely prevented him from performing at his best, and this decision to play him despite his condition has been a point of contention.
Big Game Record: A Misleading Narrative
The notion that Kane is a flat-track bully who fails to deliver in big games is widely circulated but doesn’t hold up under scrutiny. Kane’s big game record outside of finals is exceptional. He is the all-time record goal scorer in the North London Derby and has a strong record against major teams like Liverpool and Manchester City. In international tournaments, he has been England’s star man, winning the Golden Boot at the 2018 World Cup and playing a crucial role in England’s run to the Euro 2020 final and the 2022 World Cup.
The Online Discourse: Sensationalism Over Substance
The criticisms of Kane, particularly on social media platforms like Twitter, often border on the absurd. From claims that Kane should retire from international football to suggestions that he is over the hill and finished, the online discourse is riddled with sensationalism. The idea that England would have won multiple trophies under Gareth Southgate if not for Kane is particularly far-fetched, given his pivotal role in their successes over the past decade.
Conclusion: An Unjust Fall Guy
Harry Kane’s legacy is far more complex than his critics would suggest. Despite a disappointing Euro 2024, his contributions to both club and country are undeniable. Kane remains one of the best and most effective footballers on the planet, and his underwhelming performance at one tournament does not define his career. The narrative that Kane is a liability is not only unjust but overlooks the broader context of his contributions and the challenges he has faced.
As Kane turns 31, he still has time to add silverware to his illustrious career. His professionalism, consistency, and dedication make him likely to remain at the top of the game for years to come. While the criticism following Euro 2024 is intense, it is essential to remember Kane’s exceptional talent and the significant impact he has had on football.
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