Kane shrugs off criticism and backs union with Rooney and Vardy to flourish at Euro 2016
Tottenham striker Harry Kane has shrugged off criticism of his attacking partnership with skipper Wayne Rooney and Jamie Vardy following England’s stuttering victory over 10-man Portugal at Wembley on Thursday.
Kane and Vardy netted 49 Premier League goals between them last season but flattered to deceived during England’s final Euro 2016 warm-up match, often forced into wide positions as Rooney occupied more central ground.
The Three Lions navigated the clash courtesy of Chris Smalling’s late header, leaving boss Roy Hodgson with just a week before England’s opening match of the tournament against Russia in Marseille on 11 June.
“I don’t think you can judge it on one performance. It’s one game, the understanding isn’t just going to happen overnight,” said Kane.
“We were asked to play together against Portugal and we won the game. Of course we would have wanted a few more chances and few more shots at goal, but it’s something we are still working on so there is no reason for anyone to get too downhearted.”
While Hodgson employed a diamond against the Portuguese, Kane insists that is not England’s sole weapon and they have been working on a number of formations in training. Kane added: “It’s important that you have that versatility going into a tournament so that if things aren’t going right for you then you can change it.”