Eni Aluko Suggests Harry Kane Should Play More For Team At Euro 2024

Eni Aluko has expressed her belief that Harry Kane is somewhat playing for himself at Euro 2024, urging the England captain to stay upfield rather than dropping deep. Kane, who scored in England's 1-1 draw with Denmark, has been starved of opportunities so far, with the Three Lions' attack struggling to spark.

The Bayern Munich forward, who netted 44 goals for the Bundesliga giants across all competitions in 2023-24, has had eight shots at the tournament, accumulating 1.06 expected goals (xG). Former Lioness Aluko, now a pundit for ITV Sport, suggested that Kane’s tendency to drop too deep is detrimental to Gareth Southgate's team.

Aluko shared her thoughts while speaking to Stats Perform at the Home of Adidas football in Berlin. She said: "I have to preface everything I'm about to say by saying Kane is one of the greatest players we've ever seen for England, greatest goal scorers, but I think this tournament has made me realise that he sort of plays for himself a little bit."

Aluko continued by noting that this issue isn't new: "I don't think this is a new conversation about Kane dropping deep. I remember doing the World Cup two years ago and having this same conversation." She emphasised that Kane needs to understand his role better and trust his teammates more.

"So at some point, I think Harry has to realise that it's not actually helping the team coming in, dropping deep, trying to play as a midfielder when we've got such talented midfielders who can do that," Aluko added. She highlighted the importance of discipline in a forward's role and how staying upfield can create opportunities for others.

Kane's Response to Criticism

Kane has been among the England players responding to media criticism. Aluko commented on this dynamic: "I think as a pundit I always look at it from a very objective point of view. You can critique something and say these are the stats, these are the numbers, this is what I think without being personal."

She elaborated on her approach as a pundit: "That's quite an easy balance to strike, to be honest. I never go into games going, I'm going to go right in on that player. It doesn't serve me to do that." Aluko stressed the responsibility of pundits who have played professionally and understand the challenges faced by current players.

Objective Critique and Player Reactions

"Part of the reason why we're on these panels and we're talking about football is because we've been in those positions," Aluko explained. She acknowledged that while it's easier said than done, players have their right of reply on the pitch rather than through soundbites or media interactions.

"I've seen it gone a bit too far and I like to see the players, to be honest, bite back a little bit," she said. Reflecting on her own experience as a player, she noted: "I used to do that as a player a little bit, bite back. But ultimately, the players' right of reply is on the pitch."

England will face Slovakia in their last 16 match on Sunday. The team will aim to improve their attacking performance and secure progression in Euro 2024.