SIR GEOFF HURST has told Gareth Southgate to axe Harry Kane from today’s Nations League dead rubber because he needs a rest.
England’s 1966 World Cup hat-trick hero reckons the Tottenham talisman should sit out the pointless 3rd/4th placed playoff against the Swiss.
Captain Kane has only played twice since returning from an ankle injury and Hurst thinks a proper break would be for the benefit of his long-term career.
Hurst, 77, told SunSport: “This match is not the end of the world either-way. Give the opportunity to someone else to play in his place instead.
“It’s a long season. Give him a break and a longer recuperation. That will do him more good.
“He should try and lie on a beach for a month and recharge the batteries.
“Overall, he has had a disappointing finish to the season but he has had his injuries.
“He may only have three or four weeks before he has to start again. It’s advisable that the players take as much time off as they can.
“Harry has performed brilliantly at the top for the past three or four seasons, highly-pressurised games, scoring goals, and like anybody else, your body can only withstand so much pressure in terms of playing and performing.”
A 3-1 defeat to Holland on Thursday in the inaugural Nations League semi-finals is the second successive year the Three Lions have lost in the last-four of a major tournament.
Almost 12 months ago, Southgate’s side were beaten by Croatia in the World Cup semi-finals.
Hurst reckons England remain on course to win Euro 2020 on home soil and should not panic.
He said: “I don’t see this as a major rethink on how we are playing or a lack of confidence.
“It’s just coincidence these semi defeats. After the disappointments of the last two tournaments (2014 World Cup and Euro 2016), we have made giant steps forward with some younger players. The confidence has been high.
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“It’s a small setback but we lost to top-class nations in Croatia and Holland. I won’t jump on the bandwagon. We are getting closer to being successful.
“They have been successful playing that way, playing from the back, and there is no reason because of some hiccups to start changing thoughts, feelings and personnel.
“I expect the team under Southgate to improve within the next two years. I would be very disappointed with the young squad we have got if we don’t progress and perform well in the next big competitions.
“I don’t see any negatives with a few seasons to go coming up to the Euros and World Cup. It has been a good time for the national team.
“The management of Southgate and his staff does genuinely generate team spirit and camaraderie.”
Sir Geoff Hurst was speaking on behalf of Grosvenor Sport. The leading online bookmaker is offering new customers double the odds on any bet when they sign up at www.grosvenorsport.com. New customers only. Max £10. T&Cs apply.
