Harry Kane is ‘England’s best player by an absolute mile’ and there’s ‘NO WAY’ Dominic Calvert-Lewin will start ahead of him, insists Gary Neville as he heaps praise on ‘mentally untouchable’ Three Lions captain
Gary Neville has insisted that Harry Kane is England’s best player ‘by an absolute mile’ and says he is undroppable, despite the striker’s own belief his starting spot isn’t safe this summer.
Kane, who has scored 34 goals for the Three Lions during his career, endured a quiet afternoon against Croatia in the Euro 2020 opener – but is certain to keep his place for Friday’s pulsating clash with Scotland.
And pundit Neville is adamant that Kane’s ability and overall influence more than merits him continuing to lead the line.
Gary Neville has hailed striker Harry Kane as being England’s best player ‘by an absolute mile’
‘There’s not a chance that he would be subbed in a football match for England in this tournament,’ Neville said, live on ITV. ‘He’s the best centre forward in the country by a mile.
‘I like (Dominic) Calvert-Lewin a lot, I think he offers something off the bench, but there’s no way he would start ahead of Harry.
‘His influences on the team, his performances, his goal record… even though he was quiet in that first game, he’s mentally untouchable.’
ITV pundit Neville says Kane’s spot is untouchable despite his quiet showing against Croatia
Gareth Southgate regularly picks captain Kane, who is certain to start again against Scotland
Kane was replaced by Calvert-Lewin on Sunday after a frustrating performance, and the Everton ace will hope to push his team-mate all the way to break into the line-up.
After the game, in his sit down with ITV, Kane conceded his position as an untouchable is far from guaranteed, saying: ‘You will have to ask Gareth (Southgate) but I never look it at it that way.’
However, despite the fierce competition, Neville claimed that Kane will be adept at handling the situation.
He added: ‘He will not break a stride after that game and think, “oh, I’m in bad form, the press said I didn’t play well.”
Kane was unable to find the net against Croatia on Sunday and was taken off in the second half
‘He won’t think about it at all. He’s so sure footed, he’s solid in his mind. He’s England’s best player by an absolute mile.’
England captain Kane’s tally for his country places him in sixth spot on their all-time scorer’s list, and Neville lavished further praise on him by comparing him to the legendary Alan Shearer.
Shearer, who won 63 caps, netted 30 Three Lions goals – meaning Kane has already overtaken him – and Neville has placed the two frontmen in a similar bracket.
Neville has placed Kane (left) in the same bracket as England all-time great Alan Shearer (right)
‘Going into Euro 96, I don’t think Alan Shearer had scored leading up to the tournament,’ Neville said. ‘He’s the only striker, English striker, I’d put in the same category as Shearer.
‘You just let them get through the patches where they might not score in three or four, trust them completely. They’re great performers and have to play.’
The three points taken against Croatia have placed England in a strong position in Group D, and a further victory over Scotland would seal qualification.