England have made 'massive improvements' under Gareth Southgate, says Harry Kane
- Planet Sport writer
- 14 June 2022
Captain Harry Kane has launched a spirited defence of Gareth Southgate after recent criticism directed at the England boss.
Harry Kane has given his unequivocal backing to England boss Gareth Southgate after he came under fire for England's winless run.
England have not won any of their last three matches and only scored two goals in that time.
It has led to man accusing Southgate of using negative tactics that stifle England's vast array of attacking talent.
That is something that Southgate face during Euro 2020 too, despite England's run to the final, but Kane believes the former Middlesbrough boss is still the absolute right man to lead the Three Lions.
When asked if he felt frustration at the criticism Southgate gets from some sections of the England supporter base, Kane said: "Yes.
"I think when you look as an England team, we've been one of the most successful England teams there's been over our history and Gareth has been the main part of that.
"So of course, there's always going to be noise, it's part and parcel of being an England coach or and England player.
"We know that but I think the real kind of drive and togetherness we have in our squad, it doesn't really bother us, we'll always protect each other and defend each other.
"I think if you look at where we were in 2016 compared to where we are now, we've made massive improvements and strides. We've knocked down a lot of hurdles in major tournaments by doing stuff an England team hasn't done for a long, long time.
"Of course we haven't won anything yet, but I think we're knocking on the door."
Harry Kane has a lengthier history than most with Gareth Southgate, who also coached him for the England under-21s before he became a senior international.
He says that what people see on the pitch is only one facet of what Southgate does with England.
"I can't speak highly enough of Gareth," he said. "I had him with the 21s and then obviously since he's been with the senior team and I think he really understands what the England team needs to be successful.
"I feel like we've created a really good family here and we have a good connection with the fans, which is what we didn't have probably six years ago at that Euros.
"We'll keep trying to improve and making the country proud. I think we've done that and we all have that major hunger and desire to win a major tournament. I think it's still a good possibility."
