Doha. Angry England waking up after a goalless encounter with the United States.
On the other hand, criticism is directed at Gareth Southgate – but also at ‘selfish’ Harry Kane.
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Rage against Kane
There are not quite happy faces in the English part of the British Isles after their 0-0 meeting with the United States in the World Cup group stage. Graeme Souness goes so far as to accuse Harry Kane of being selfish.
The reason is the attacker’s injury against Iran, or rather, the choice to continue playing instead of stepping down. Souness believes something affected his lackluster performance against the Americans.
He was selfish towards Iran. He was on the field for 27 minutes after picking up an ankle injury, Souness told the Daily Mail, despite England leading 3-0.
Gareth Southgate should have protected Kane from himself but failed to do so. Kane’s injury history meant that the injury was serious enough to require an x-ray, but he continued to play.
The former Liverpool player points out that ankle problems in particular can be particularly troublesome.
Maybe Harry wanted to play for 27 minutes because he wanted to score in the match. Souness says he has that selfish streak that all strikers have.
– I hope there are no problems with his ankle in this tournament and that it does not cost him dearly.
England published
– England looked tired, they had neither pace nor ideas. Even on set pieces, they didn’t look like they could score. It was a really lousy effort,’ says Roy Keane on ITV after the uneventful 0-0 game.
Teammate Gary Neville opined that Phil Foden, who had been benched throughout the game, should have started.
– He’s a very great talent. I think he is our best player and the biggest talent in this country so far. Neville says he should really start.
When it came time for substitutions, Gareth Sutgate picked out two other wingers, Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford and made it clear afterwards that he did not want Foden to play centrally.
Wells is looking for confidence
Despite Wales falling hard to Iran 0-2, confidence remains ahead of the crucial group stage meeting with England. Wales must defeat Gareth Southgate’s men to qualify for the next round.
– We must go into that match without fear, we have nothing to lose, says Dan James.
– we are here. We have one game left. We can’t go into it and feel pre-beaten.
England stands on four points, Iran on three, the United States on two, and Wales on one.