Kane plays down fitness concerns ahead of England-Netherlands match

Harry Kane has rejected suggestions he is struggling with his fitness ahead of the European Championship in Germany.

Kane was substituted during extra time of England’s quarter-final against Switzerland and watched the shoot-out from the sidelines.

There was surprise after a poor display from the former Tottenham Hotspur striker, but manager Gareth Southgate revealed “cramp” was the reason for Kane’s withdrawal and he is almost certain to start Wednesday’s semi-final clash with the Netherlands.

Kane scored two goals during the Euros but was criticised for some of his performances and was also substituted 20 minutes from time in a 1-1 group stage draw with Denmark.

“Of course, everyone is entitled to their opinion, I know everyone wants me to score three goals a game and I want to score three goals a game, but that’s not always the case,” he said.

“Maybe sometimes when I don’t score, I think the fitness issue is easy to ask: ‘Why? Is there a reason? Is it his fitness? Isn’t it?’

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“But as I said before the tournament, I felt like I had a good preparation before the tournament, I’m getting better and I’m getting sharper as the matches go on.

“We have a semi-final ahead of us and of course I would love nothing more than to score a couple of goals and make it to the final.”