Tottenham legend and World Cup winner Jurgen Klinsmann has explained why he feels Harry Kane missed his decisive penalty for England in their 2-1 defeat to France in the all-important quarter-final.
The Three Lions captain was handed a golden opportunity to level the scores after Theo Hernandez’s mindless shove on Mason Mount inside the box.
The fact that Hernandez did so immediately after Olivier Giroud headed Les Bleus into the lead was ideal for Gareth Southgate’s side, who had dominated much of the 2nd half.
After converting his first spot-kick, Kane was expected to do the same and fire England back into contention.
However, the Spurs striker blasted the ball above the crossbar in uncharacteristic fashion, reminiscent of David Beckham against Portugal at Euro 2004.
While the English managed to knock on the door a couple of times following the shock penalty miss, it seemed too little too late for a comeback.
Unsurprisingly, the 29-year old’s big-game credentials have been questioned in the aftermath of England’s elimination from the World Cup.
Klinsmann defends Kane after penalty miss
However, another legendary goalscorer for Tottenham Hotspur in Jurgen Klinsmann has a theory on why Harry Kane missed his penalty against France.
“There is far too much time passing with VAR checks etc”. he said (via Henry Winter).
“It works in your brain. I’m a big Harry Kane fan. If he had the chance to put the ball down and take it immediately (he’d score). But the time goes by and you overthink.”
After Theo Hernandez’s foul on Mason Mount, referee Wilton Sampaio had initially deemed the challenge as fair on Saturday night.
However, Sampaio decided to overturn his decision after watching the replay on the pitchside monitor.
With all eyes on Harry Kane to deliver, England’s all-time top goalscorer missed and in horrific fashion.
But one has to acknowledge that Jurgen Klinsmann may have a point, as the delay in decisions as a result of VAR is likely to plant a seed of doubt in any penalty taker’s mind.
Even if they are as prolific from the spot as Harry Kane.
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