Jurgen Klinsmann told Match of the Day that England players will be thinking ‘nobody stops us now’ after Tottenham’s Harry Kane opened his Euro 2020 account.
After going goalless during the group stages, Tottenham’s Golden Boot winner scored as England beat Germany 2-0 at Wembley today during their Round of 16 showdown.
Many were questioning the Tottenham hitman before the game, but he wrote his name into the history books as the Three Lions beat Germany in a knockout game for the first time in 55-years.
Spurs legend, Klinsmann, would have seen disappointed to see his side knocked out of the tournament, but this is what he had to say about Kane.
“Absolutely huge difference, especially when you are the captain of the team,” said Klinsmann.
“The players are looking at you. They want their leader to be in the tournament. Full of energy. Being positive and confident.
“He was lacking in a bit of confidence. We saw that in his movement. He had very few touches during the first 20-25 minutes. It took him a long time to get into it. Like in the previous games as well.
“So, this goal changes the world for him. He’s in there now. His teammates know that ‘Harry is back, so nobody stops us now’.”
Kane’s performances may have been questioned during the first three games, but he may have just timed his run to form to perfection.
There’s a lot more in the Tottenham man’s legs and with either Ukraine or Sweden awaiting the English in the next round then he will be licking his lips.
And whilst Gareth Southgate’s more defensive set-up against the German’s was understandable, he has to start Grealish in the quarter-finals.
His presence alone pushes England further up the field and starting him in a midfield three of Kalvin Phillips and Declan Rice is perhaps the right road to go down.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
