Ian Wright admits he was ‘ready to big up’ Tottenham man before Leeds star’s lack of action

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Ian Wright has admitted that he was ‘ready to big up’ Tottenham striker Harry Kane on Wednesday night, before a late error from Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips put a stop to that, as he told ITV Sport (08/09/21 at 10:00 pm).

England conceded a stoppage-time equaliser against Poland in their World Cup qualifier last night – the Tottenham and Leeds duo started the game.

It was Kane’s outstanding long-range effort that put his country into the lead after the break, but a late header from the home side resulted in both teams sharing the spoils.

Even though Robert Lewandowski had a fairly quiet second-half, it was his cross that led to Damian Szymanski’s goal.

Phillips was the one who didn’t get out to the Bayern Munich man quick enough to stop the cross and Wright thinks ’tiredness’ played a part in that, as his lack of actions, in the end, played a part in costing his side all three points.

“I was getting ready to big up Harry Kane,” said Wright. “And say that Lewandowski didn’t do anything because, in the second half, I thought John Stones, throughout the game, dealt with him well.

“But just that space that he didn’t quite close down there, Kalvin Phillips. It gave him, as a world-class player, to put in a perfect ball. You have to give him credit for that. Quality player.

“Kalvin Phillips is just not coming out quick enough. I think that’s tiredness. I think that’s the only reason.

“He had a good game, he covered a lot of ground. But I think, in that instance, he lacked the sharpness to come out to it.”

With someone of Lewandowski’s qualities on the field of play, he can maximise the smallest of opportunities, and that’s exactly what he did last night.

And that’s exactly why, along with Kane, he is a World Class footballer and one of the best number nine’s in the world.

Overall, Phillips actually had a strong game and England should be pleased with their effort.

Gareth Southgate’s side had won every qualifying game leading up to their clash in Warsaw, so given that they leave Poland disappointed with a draw, then that says a lot.