‘People might not recognise’: Trippier lauds overlooked aspect of Tottenham star

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Kieran Trippier has claimed – via The Sunday Post – that Harry Kane does not always get the recognition he deserves for his work off the ball, after backing the Tottenham Hotspur striker to end his Euro 2020 goal drought.

Kane is yet to get off the mark for England after the opening two group stage fixtures of the European Championship. Manchester City ace Raheem Sterling, instead, has registered the Three Lions’ only goal so far to beat Croatia 1-0.

Kane had scored 13 times and offered five assists in the qualifying stages after netting in each fixture. He also found the back of the net twice in England’s World Cup qualifiers in March to take his international tally to 34 in 56 games.

But Kane failed to build on his record against Scotland on Friday after an abject display from the England captain. The Tottenham star also struggled to make any decisive runs, was wasteful on the ball and struck no shots on target.

Yet Trippier expects the goals to come once England create better chances for Kane.

“I believe in Harry, and I know he will score goals, but it is the work he does for the team,” Trippier said. “Some people might not recognise what he does – the link-up play. Harry’s chances will come and, for sure, he will score goals.

“Harry’s had an unbelievable season with Spurs. Harry is fit, he’s working hard every single day in training and it’s just about trying to get the chances to him.

“But he will score goals. He’s our captain [and] he’s our leader. Like I said, he’s a big player for us and we just need to create chances for him to score goals.”

TBR’s view: Tottenham star Kane must offer England more

While Tripper believes his former Tottenham teammate’s work off the ball is still important for how Southgate’s side operates, Kane must offer England more. The Three Lions must also offer him better service, though.

Kane’s sluggish efforts against Scotland last Friday were a leading factor to why England failed to break the deadlock. It was also not a surprise that Southgate took him off for Marcus Rashford in search of an attacking spark.

Kane’s hold up play was below the standard Tottenham saw last term as he struck 33 goals and offered 17 assists in all competitions. Instead, the game often passed him by bar a missed opportunity with a header in the first half.