Speaking on the Sky Sports Football Podcast, Alan Smith has been discussing Antonio Conte’s recent comments about Harry Kane.
The Spurs manager confirmed many England fans’ worst fears this week as he stated that Kane is ‘really, really tired’ heading into the Qatar World Cup.
Of course, Kane is exhausted due to the sheer number of games he’s had to play for Spurs so far this season – barely getting a break, and Smith says that it would’ve been nice for Conte to give Kane a bit of respite ahead of the World Cup.
Conte not helping England
Smith discussed Conte and his use of Kane.
“Well yeah he keeps playing him doesn’t he. It would’ve been nice if he’d given him a rest somewhere along the line. He’s looking after Tottenham rather than thinking about England’s chances. Hopefully he’s not passing on an exhausted Kane after the weekend, but hopefully he’ll be ok. He’ll have a week, the adrenaline will be pumping, let’s hope Kane will be ok.”
Not his job
As nice as it would be for Antonio Conte to do the England national team a favour, it’s not his job.
At the end of the day, Conte’s job is to help Tottenham Hotspur win football matches, and starting Kane in every single game is the best way to help Spurs get results.
Kane is Tottenham’s most important player, and if Spurs want to be chasing major honours, they need to have him on the pitch as often as possible.
Yes, Conte isn’t helping England, but he really doesn’t have any responsibility to do Gareth Southgate and the Three Lions any sort of favours.
Kane being tired heading into the World Cup isn’t ideal, but Conte has to prioritise his own team’s results.
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