Kane failed to make an impact as Spurs lost to Liverpool.
Garth Crooks has slammed Harry Kane in his BBC Sport Team of the Week column after the Tottenham Hotspur striker failed to have any kind of impact during Saturday’s 2-1 loss to Liverpool.
Kane, 24, was non-existent as Liverpool dominated for much of the match at Wembley, with goals coming from Georginio Wijnaldum and Roberto Firmino either side of the half-time whistle.
Spurs failed to threaten, other than Lucas Moura hitting the post after an excellent solo run, while Liverpool really should have scored more as Mo Salah, Naby Keita and Firmino missing chances.
Former Spurs man Crooks blasted Kane for lacking fight in his performance on Saturday lunchtime, claiming he “wasn’t prepared to have a scrap” and instead lauded the display of Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk.
“Harry Kane never had a kick. Virgil van Dijk was too big, too strong and too composed on the ball,” Crooks said.
“In times like these when centre-backs look imperious, strikers have to ruffle feathers and the England captain simply wasn’t prepared to have a scrap.
“If ever there was a day for Harry and the boys to get among it and stick their heads in the faces of Liverpool’s defenders then this was it. Instead, Van Dijk walked on to the pitch looking like a film star and walked off with the Oscar for best leading man.”
It is unclear whether Kane was fully fit for the clash, after only appearing as a substitute during England’s win over Switzerland during the international break.
The England skipper has been in decent form this season, but somewhat below his best with two goals in five Premier League matches – finding the net against Fulham and Manchester United.
Spurs begin their Champions League campaign on Tuesday night, as they travel to Italy to face Inter Milan.
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