Harry Kane was visibly struggling with physical fatigue before being shoved off the pitch by Swiss defender Manuel Akanji, which resulted in him colliding with manager Gareth Southgate and stumbling over a water bottle holder.
This incident necessitated medical attention, and eventually, the decision was made to substitute him with Ivan Toney.
However, after the match, Kane downplayed the severity of his condition, assuring reporters that the injury was minor and expressing confidence in his ability to play in the next round.
“Yeah, I’m fine – I was just tired. I had a bit of cramp there. I tripped over the water bottles and got cramp in both calves,” Kane explained. “The boss made a quick decision obviously with Iv, a proven penalty taker. He came on and did the job.”
England delivered another lackluster performance against Switzerland, appearing to be on the brink of elimination after a late goal from Breel Embolo. However, Bukayo Saka quickly leveled the score, salvaging the match for England.
Despite the underwhelming display, Kane remains optimistic about the team’s progress and believes their performances are improving as they approach Wednesday’s semi-final.
“It was definitely our best performance,” Kane asserted. “The system caused them problems, and we got on the ball more. We played in their final third more, but we still lacked a bit of end product. Tournaments are tough. These games are tough. You have to find a way to get through them.”
Kane emphasized the importance of resilience and adaptability in navigating the challenges of tournament play. “The longer we go in the competition in the manner that we’re doing, it just gives us more and more belief that we’re finding ways to win. That’s an important factor in big competitions.”
Reflecting on the team’s journey, Kane expressed pride and excitement about reaching another semi-final. “We’re enjoying the ride. We’re proud to be in another semi-final. We know how much it means to everyone back home watching as well. We want to do everyone proud. That would be no different on Wednesday.”
Kane’s comments underscore the team’s determination and focus as they prepare for the next crucial match. Despite the setbacks and challenges, England remains committed to advancing in the tournament and making their supporters proud. The upcoming semi-final is set to be a significant test, but Kane’s confidence and the team’s growing belief in their capabilities suggest they are ready to riseto the occasion.
