Southgate makes huge Harry Kane admission following Euro 2024 final | OneFootball

Gareth Southgate has admitted that Harry Kane was not fit enough and failed to meet expectations at Euro 2024 following England’s defeat to Spain in the final.

The Three Lions were a goal down when the Bayern Munich striker was replaced by Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins on the hour mark, and the side looked more threatening in attack from that point onwards.

Although Cole Palmer cancelled out Nico Williams’ opener in the 73rd minute, the Three Lions were ultimately defeated by a late winner from Mikel Oyarzabal to secure an historic victory for Spain.

La Roja are the first nation to win the European Championship four times, while England are still waiting for their first trophy since 1966.

Read – Four key moments that decided Euro 2024 final

Speaking after the full-time whistle, Southgate explained why he replaced Kane in the second half and offered an honest insight into the forward’s poor performances at the tournament.

“Physically it has been tough for him,” he told BBC One. “He came into the tournament short on games and has not quite reached the level we all would have hoped.

“The games are hugely demanding and we thought Ollie’s freshness would allow us to press better and offer a press in behind. I thought the substitutes came on and did what we asked them to do.”

Southgate also explained where the final was lost, admitting that Spain were the “best team” at Euro 2024.

“We’ve competed until the very end of the final,” he said. “I think today we didn’t keep possession of the ball quite well enough. We defended well but when you win the ball back you need to get out of that pressure. And we weren’t able to do that. That meant they had more control of the game and that can wear you down a bit.

“That said, we got the equaliser and then it was wide open. A big chance at the end to equalise so as always it is fine margins. I do think they were the best team in the tournament.”

Read – Southgate comments on England future following Euro 2024 defeat

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