England boss Gareth Southgate gives his verdict on Harry Kane's performances at Euro 2024 and drops hint ahead of semi-finals

England manager Gareth Southgate has given his verdict on Harry Kane's performances at Euro 2024 so far.

Although he has scored two goals in five appearances, Kane has often found matters difficult overall.

The England captain has had to endure long periods without the ball and there have been suggestions in some quarters that Southgate should consider dropping Kane for the semi-final clash against the Netherlands.

Ivan Toney, who has featured as a substitute in the last two games, and Ollie Watkins are alternative options up front.

Kane was withdrawn in extra-time against Switzerland but will be fit to feature in England's semi-final. 

Southgate admitted that Kane perhaps hasn't been at his best so far but praised the 30-year-old for his overall contribution to the team. 

As reported by The Mirror, Southgate said: 'I mean all of the games have been slightly different, I thought Harry did a super job for the team in terms of defensively, his positioning, his understanding of where he needed to be.

'He's perhaps not flowing as he's arriving in those deeper areas as sometimes he looks with his passing and stuff, but he's still playing an immense part for the group.' 

Southgate's comments seem to suggest that it is unlikely that Kane will be left out of the starting lineup against the Netherlands.

Just prior to being substituted against Switzerland, Kane had been sent flying towards the England dugout and collided with Southgate after competing for the ball with Manuel Akanji. 

Despite the criticism that he has received from outside the camp, Kane boasts a record of 65 goals in 96 games for England and certainly seems to retain the faith of Southgate.

Kane found the net in England's draw against Denmark in the group stages and got the winner against Slovakia in the round of 16.