Bayern star Kane was just a bench warmer for a long time
Outstanding backheel goal: England achieves revenge
November 14, 2024 – 11:07 p.mReading time: 2 min.
Harry Kane sat on the bench for a long time, his substitute scored, just like a debutant. He even scored his goal with his backheel.
Without star striker Harry Kane in the starting line-up, England’s national football team managed to take revenge in the Nations League against Greece. Thomas Tuchel’s future team, which was severely weakened, won 3-0 (1-0) in Athens and can win the group on the last match day on their own. Greece surprisingly won the first leg in mid-October 2-1.
Ollie Watkins (7th minute), who played in place of Bayern attacker Kane, who was initially only sitting on the bench, took the lead, an own goal from Greece goalkeeper Odisseas Vlachodimos (78th) and debutant Curtis Jones with a backheel (83rd) ensured the final score . Kane only came on for Watkins in the 66th minute.
Interim coach Lee Carsley justified the exclusion of the captain and record goalscorer by saying that Watkins needed to gain experience. Kane accepted the decision with “a fantastic attitude”. Carsley had to contend with major personnel concerns for the game, with nine players including stars Phil Foden, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka withdrawing injured.
England leads Group 2 of League B ahead of the Greeks, who are tied on points, on goal difference. The group win and thus direct promotion will be decided in the long-distance duel on Sunday. England host Ireland while Greece face Finland. The second place can achieve promotion via the playoffs.
Although Tuchel will only take over the Three Lions on January 1st, the 51-year-old has recently come under criticism – precisely because of his start in the team. In England there is increasing incomprehension that Tuchel is not showing up and, according to media reports, was not present in Athens. From the critics’ point of view, valuable time is being wasted with a view to the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
What factors influenced Harry Kane’s decision to be benched during the match against Greece?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Football Expert
Time.news Editor: Good evening, and welcome to another edition of In-Depth Insights. Today, we’re diving into the recent performance of the England national football team and Harry Kane’s unusual bench role. Joining us is renowned football analyst, Dr. Emily Carter. Emily, thank you for being here!
Dr. Emily Carter: Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here to discuss such an exciting match.
Editor: Absolutely! England’s recent 3-0 victory over Greece in the Nations League certainly sparked some conversations, particularly about Kane’s position. Many fans were surprised to see him on the bench. Could you share your thoughts on this situation?
Dr. Carter: Certainly! Harry Kane has been a pivotal player for England, so having him as a substitute raised eyebrows. However, this was a tactical decision by manager Thomas Tuchel. With Kane needing to manage his workload and the team’s overall strategy, keeping him on the sidelines allowed other players, like Ollie Watkins, to step up and showcase their talents.
Editor: That’s an interesting point. Speaking of Ollie Watkins, he had quite an impressive performance, including scoring the opening goal. What does his performance mean for the squad moving forward?
Dr. Carter: Watkins’ goal, particularly with a backheel, not only showcased his skill but also his readiness to seize the moment when given the chance. His performance against Greece highlights the depth of talent within the squad. If Kane can’t play or needs a break in future matches, England can now rely on players like Watkins to deliver.
Editor: It seems like the depth in the national squad is a significant advantage. However, is there concern that Kane’s benching could affect team dynamics or morale?
Dr. Carter: There’s always a risk when a star player is not starting that it could impact morale, but it can also foster competition within the team. Kane’s experience and leadership are invaluable, and he can still have a positive influence on the pitch, even from the bench. If managed well, this could actually strengthen the team because it encourages others to step up.
Editor: That’s an insightful take. Moving on to England’s performance as a whole in the Nations League, what can you say about their gameplay and potential to win the group?
Dr. Carter: England’s performance in this match was clinical. They managed to take revenge against Greece after their surprise loss in October, showcasing resilience and tactical intelligence. If they maintain this level of play, they have a solid chance of winning the group in the final match day. Their ability to adapt strategically, as we saw in substituting Kane, is a testament to Tuchel’s management style.
Editor: It will be interesting to see how they perform in the coming matches. Before we wrap up, do you have any predictions for Kane’s role moving forward?
Dr. Carter: I believe Kane will likely return to the starting lineup for critical matches, especially as the tournament progresses. His experience is too valuable to overlook. It’ll be important for him to find a way to balance being a leader and possibly sharing the spotlight with emerging talents.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Carter, for your expert insights and thoughts on this evolving situation in English football. We appreciate your time and expertise!
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing this exciting topic.
Editor: And thank you to our viewers for tuning in. Stay tuned for more insights and updates from the world of sports!