Harry Kane misses out on England honour after injury sidelines captain for Brazil loss
Harry Kane will no longer be able to reach a major England milestone this summer.
England captain Harry Kane will miss out on potentially winning his 100th international cap in the Euro 2024 final after sitting out of the Three Lions’ defeat against Brazil with an injury. The Bayern Munich star had the chance to reach the impressive milestone on a big occasion had he remained fit.
An ankle problem prevented Kane from making his 90th appearances for England against Brazil and he will not play against Belgium, either. Gareth Southgate’s side were beaten 1-0 by the South Americans with the 17-year-old striker Endrick scoring the game’s only goal.
Kane might have made the difference for a toothless England, who managed just three shots on target at Wembley. Ollie Watkins struggled on a rare opportunity to lead the line in Kane’s absence.
It was just the second time since June 2021 that Kane has not featured in an England game. The unfortunate timing of the 30-year-old’s setback means he will not win his 100th cap in the Euro 2024 final – should England reach the showdown in Germany.
England’s all-time top scorer has 89 international caps. Reaching the final in Berlin will mean England must embark on a 10-match run between now and the showpiece event on July 14.
Southgate’s team face Belgium in a friendly on Tuesday – with Kane now ruled out of that game at Wembley. The England manager said after the defeat against Brazil: “Yeah, he (Kane) will go back to Germany. He won’t be fit for Tuesday.”
England then play Bosnia & Herzegovina and Iceland in pre-tournament friendlies in July before flying out to Germany. Kane and co. have been drawn into Group C at the tournament and will play Serbia in their opening match on June 16.