Astute analysis by journalist David Walsh this morning:
"In his book Brave New World, Mauricio Pochettino, then in charge of Spurs, wrote this of Kane: “He is a warrior now. I’m not speaking about qualities or traits but that absolutely essential mental strength to be able to stay in the elite. I believe Harry Kane is the best player in the world in terms of mental strength, willpower and endeavour.” That was four years ago. The same could not be said now.
For sure, Kane wanted to leave Tottenham this summer and his disappointment at the move to Manchester City not happening is natural. That may explain his present performance level but it doesn’t excuse it. Perhaps just as relevant are the ankle injuries that have regularly sidelined him. A footballer should be at the peak of his physical powers at 28 but Kane plays now with less aggression and far less combativeness than when in his mid-twenties. He is captain of his club and his country but, at least on the pitch, it never seems like he’s leading. Not by word, and not by deed.
In England’s opening two games at Euro 2020, against Croatia and Scotland, he was substituted. On the second occasion that was with 15 minutes remaining. Most worrying of all was his reluctance to engage in the physical battle with Scotland’s centre backs. Kane should be the one doing the bullying.
Should he honestly reflect on the saga that preceded Tottenham’s refusal to sell him to City, Kane will not be easy on himself. At the end of last season he did an interview with Gary Neville for Sky, in which he outlined his desire to leave Tottenham, even though he was only halfway through his six-year contract with the club. Apart from upsetting Tottenham and Daniel Levy, the chairman, what did that achieve?
Kane’s contract didn’t have a release clause. Though the bottom line here is that no one put a gun to his head and said, “Harry, it’s a six-year contract or nothing.” Stuck at Tottenham, he needs to get on with it. He plays for a team crying out for leadership, energy and aggression. Pochettino was right in 2017 when he said Kane was a warrior and he may even have been right when he suggested he the best player in the world in terms of mental strength.
Now Kane desperately needs to rediscover his younger self."