England didn’t play to Harry Kane’s strengths at Euro 2024 but the 30-year-old shouldn’t call time on his international career just yet.
That’s according to former Three Lions star Danny Mills, who has opened up on the Bayern Munich hitman following his struggles in Germany this summer.
Kane scored three goals for England as they reached the final of the competition, with the 30-year-old bagging in matches against Denmark, Slovakia and the Netherlands.
But he looked a shadow of the player that flourished for Bayern last season, with Kane substituted in five of the seven matches he played in.
Harry Kane struggled for England at Euro 2024 despite scoring three goals from seven matches
PA
Some have suggested Kane should retire from international football, despite scoring more goals at major tournaments than any other player in English football history.
That’s not something the former Tottenham star is believed to be considering at the current moment in time, with the veteran eager to propel his country to silverware.
And Mills, speaking exclusively to GB News via 888poker, believes Kane still has plenty to offer – while also accusing England of letting their captain down by failing to ‘play to his strengths’.
“No, I don’t think so,” he said when asked if Kane was finished in an England shirt. “Yes he looked liked he wasn’t fully fit during this tournament, but has had a superb season for Bayern.
“His movement looked limited in this tournament, but I don’t think we played to his strengths. In the Final, you look at it and should he have started? He barely touched the ball and maybe, a bolder manager would have started Ollie Watkins.
“Kane has been England’s talisman for along time now, their top goalscorer, and had been a credit to his country. He is 30 now and 31 at the start of next season and I see him continuing, but in two years time for the World Cup, will he be at a peak level to be England’s top striker?
“I am not sure, he may be ready as he looks after himself. But he is 100 per cent not finished as has a lot to offer for sure.”
Phil Foden was another player who struggled for England at the European Championships, despite his dazzling form for Manchester City last season.
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He has never quite sparkled in his international career like he does for his club on such a frequent basis.
And Mills has admitted he finds Foden’s inconsistency baffling, with the 47-year-old adding: “He didn’t live up to expectations this tournament at all.
“He had glimpses of skill in the Denmark game and also the Holland game for sure. Apart from that I can’t recall many times where he set the game alight.
“He does play with a super team at club level, that know each other’s roles well, so I don’t know why he wasn’t able to take the game by the scruff of the neck and impact it more.
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Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden struggled for consistency for England at Euro 2024
PA
“He is super talented, he is great on the ball, technically gifted, but we just didn’t see it. He will go back to City and most probably set the Premier League alight again.”
In the wake of England’s failure to win Euro 2024, Jude Bellingham has also come under fire.
Reports say figures within the Three Lions camp felt the 21-year-old received ‘preferential treatment’ during the course of the tournament.
But Mills has no concerns about Bellingham and his attitude. When asked about the youngster, the former Manchester City and Leeds star added: “Jude is a top footballer. He is one of the best young players we have.
Harry Kane is set to keep playing for England despite his struggles at Euro 2024
PA
“He didn’t play that well during the tournament, though he had his moments with a top header in the opening game. This was typical Jude, arriving well in the penalty area and this should have given him confidence to push on.
“The over head kick against Slovakia was another moment of brilliance and he has made a habit of scoring late goals for Real Madrid during the season.
“I don’t think he can become too big for his boots at all. He will go back to Real Madrid now and needs to have another good season. He speaks well and is always open and it’s been a very long season and to get to another final is a big achievement for England.
“They are not far away and they just lost on penalties in the last Euros and were inches away of equalising in this final, but it wasn’t meant to be. He does need to stay grounded, but has super talent and is a top player.”