Harry Kane offered a deadpan response to being substituted as England pushed for a winner against Scotland on Friday night.
Gareth Southgate took off the Three Lions captain in the 74th minute, throwing on Marcus Rashford in a helpless bid to try and unlock a resolute opposition defence.
Kane was ineffective in England’s opener against Croatia and endured a similarly-frustrating outing against Scotland, with the Tottenham striker yet to register a shot on target at Euro 2020.
He had little to say regarding his substitution after the match, preferred to outline his desire to return to winning ways against Czech Republic on Tuesday.
(Image: PA)
“It’s part of the game, the manager felt that was the right decision so you just have to take it,” said Kane of his substitution. “It is what it is.
“It was a tough game – Scotland defended really well, made good blocks at the right times when we know no game is going to be easy it’s a European Championship and Scotland are playing for their lives.
“We’ve got another big game in a few days against the Czechs. We want to finish sharp.
“It’s a point, not what we wanted but it’s one step closer to qualifying. One step at a time and we go again.”
“We need to dust ourselves down, recover well and look forward to another game in a few days.”
Adding to his praise for Steve Clarke’s side, Kane said: “Fair result, fair play to Scotland they defended well.
“It wasn’t our best performance, but it’s another point closer to qualification and that’s our ultimate goal. We just have to recover and look forward to next game in a few days.”
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Meanwhile, Kane’s performance was heavily criticised by Roy Keane from the pundits’ studio after the full-time whistle.
“He doesn’t look up to speed,” said the Irishman. “He’s on his heels all the time and if England really want to compete in this competition, you need your star men to perform.
“We’ve seen (Romelu) Lukaku turn up, (Kevin) De Bruyne, (Cristiano) Ronaldo, they need Kane at his best.
“I’m glad Gareth took him off – there’s talk about him being undroppable, he’s the main man, if he’s not performing, get him off.
“Rashford gave them a little bit more energy, but still not enough.”
Keane also suggested Kane may be distracted by the transfer saga he finds himself embroiled in away from the pitch.
He added: “Before the competition, there was all the talk of him might be leaving Spurs and maybe he’s been distracted by that because that can be an energy zapper, if you thinking you’re moving clubs or if you’re in talks with other clubs, that’s not helpful.”
