As the Three Lions head into their World Cup last 16 clash with Senegal on Sunday, there has been a number of fans calling for England skipper Harry Kane to be dropped for Newcastle’s Callum Wilson.
Kane has failed to score in England’s opening three fixtures, failing to register a shot on target so far. The 29-year-old has also struggled it terms of xG, with the Spurs man only racking up a total of 0.16xG so far in the tournament – putting him in the bottom 50% of strikers in Qatar (according to FB Ref).
One of the other main criticisms of Kane’s game in Qatar has been that fans believe he is dropping too deep to collect the ball. Shown by the fact that he only had three touches in the opposition penalty box in the game against the USA (according to WhoScored.com).
However, Kane dropping deep does have some massive benefits especially when England have players running in-behind – shown by the fact the Spurs striker is currently sat at the top of the World Cup assist charts.
The England captain’s ability to drop deep and link play was highlighted perfectly in the first half against Wales. With Kane dropping deep to collect the ball and slotting a sublime pass in behind the Wales defence for Rashford to run on to but sadly for England, the Manchester United star failed to find the back of the net.
What many England fans don’t seem to realise is this playmaking ability will be become even more vital when England face off against stronger opponents, who are more likely to play with higher defensive lines.
Wilson – who some fans are calling to replace Kane – is clearly a massive threat in the final, having scored six goals in 11 league appearances so far this season – but you don’t have to an expert of the game to realise the Newcastle man does not possess Kane’s same ability to link play from deep.
👀 “Wilson should start over Kane!”
😬 “Kane’s played almost 3 matches and hasn’t looked like scoring.”
🔥 “I’m saying Wilson in!”
This #ENG says Callum Wilson should start instead of Harry Kane! 🤔#FIFAWorldCup #TSWorldCup pic.twitter.com/kKDSemLcdU
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) November 29, 2022
To be fair to Wilson though he has impressed when coming off the bench against Iran and Wales, however when he has been on the pitch, England have already been ahead meaning the game has been far more stretched and open compared to when Kane has been on the pitch.
To round this debate off, those who are calling for England’s 2nd record goalscorer to be dropped ahead of a crucial last 16 clash, should re-think and realise Kane’s importance to this England side.