England captain Harry Kane likes to drop deep and create chances for his attacking teammates, something Thomas Tuchel’s side will have to embrace in the absence of Bukayo Saka.
Harry Kane has made a strong start to the World Cup by scoring twice for England against Croatia (Image: Alex Pantling – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
When England led 3-0 against Spain in Seville in October 2018, it looked like Harry Kane could take Gareth Southgate’s side to another level.
After struggling in the World Cup semi-finals and tearing apart La Roja in their own backyard, the Three Lions finally looked ready to fulfill their potential on the international stage.
The Nations League encounter ultimately ended 3-2, with Kane stepping up as a playmaker, with Raheem Sterling scoring twice and Marcus Rashford also scoring.
Kane assisted two of his fellow forwards, excelling in possession and making deadly passes that cut through defences.
He still has it in his locker, but now he’s scoring more goals than ever. England’s inspirational captain has scored 69 goals in 59 appearances for club and country since August.
In the 21st century, only Lionel Messi has scored more points in a single season (82 points in 69 games in 2011-12).
Kane’s positioning is a topic of debate today. He is such a prolific goalscorer that many feel there is no need for him to drop deep, when he is most effective inside the opposition penalty area.
However, things have changed a bit due to Bukayo Saka’s injury. Saka is not the fastest winger, nor is he the slowest, but he is incredibly quick-witted.
His game is centered around angles and goal creation, dribbling, and generally attacking efficiency. Kane knows he is not the only source of creativity when Saka is on the pitch.
But when Arsenal’s forwards are out of action or on the bench, they seem to feel a special sense of responsibility to drop back, get on the ball and thread a pass into the final third.
Against Croatia, it had devastating effects at various points, with the likes of Noni Madueke, Anthony Gordon and Jude Bellingham poised to surpass him.
Harry Kane looks to lead England to World Cup glory (Image: Getty Images)
The same goes for sub Rashford, who contributed to his fourth World Cup goal. It’s no secret that Maduke is no Saka, but he is a player with a different kind of profile to his teammates at the club.
Saka always prefers to have the ball at his feet, while Maduke enjoys the chance to run into space, but is also used to possession.
Saka’s fitness will need to be managed, but England will be a little more unpredictable. Kane has the ability to drop slightly deeper and wind the ball in behind while remaining a big threat of goal, much like he did against Croatia.
Bellingham’s role in all this should not be underestimated either. He knows enough to know when to drive past Kane and when to hold his position before eating scraps on the edge of the box.
There is no doubt that Saka is an important player, but England coped admirably without him in the first match. This should encourage him not to rely too heavily on his first-choice right-winger.
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