‘No excuse for that’ – Alan Shearer fumes at abject England as icon reveals tactical tweak to get best out of Harry Kane
ALAN SHEARER tore into England after a painful 1-1 draw with Denmark – and revealed the player he’d bring into help out Harry Kane.
The Three Lions‘ legend insisted there can be “no excuses” for a Euro 2024 display with “no energy, no pace”.
Kane‘s early opener in Frankfurt was countered by Morten Hjulmand’s stunner – with Shearer claiming the Danes deserved more than their point.
England are still two points clear in Group C, meaning they are likely to go through after Tuesday’s clash with Slovenia.
And skipper Kane appealed for “calm” – albeit admitting there would be “noise” as well as “disappointment” over Thursday’s performance.
However, Shearer believes the display offered nothing of encouragement.
The BBC pundit said after the final whistle: “You can see players lying on their back, they look absolutely shattered.
“There’s no excuse for that. No energy, no pace to the game.
“We didn’t run in behind until the last 10 or 15 minutes.
“We got caught too many times on the ball, too many sloppy passes.
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ENGLAND vs DENMARK RATINGS
ENGLAND stumbled to a drab 1-1 draw with Denmark.
Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated the Three Lions team.
Jordan Pickford: 6
Looked a little jittery early doors, though there was nothing he could do about Morten Hjulmand’s corker and he made a decent parry after the break.
Kyle Walker: 7
Made England’s opener by racing round a sleeping Victor Kristiansen – he’ll be having nightmares of that forevermore – and teeing up Kane via a deflected cross.
John Stones: 6
OK but you have got to wonder how fit he feels having barely played for Man City in the second half of the season, plus his injury and illness issues over the last month.
Marc Guehi: 8 and my star man
Really encouraging again from the Crystal Palace centre-back, looking sharp with his interceptions and assured in distribution.
Kieran Trippier: 6
Like Stones, he was fine, but England really need Luke Shaw back ASAP because having no natural left-footer at left-back is a problem.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: 5
This experiment of playing Trent in midfield is far from convincing, especially when his passing was off it like it was here, barring one good ball to Saka. Subbed on 54 minutes.
Declan Rice: 5
Had to cover so much ground as England dropped worryingly deep in the first half and also lost it a few times in front of his back four.
Bukayo Saka: 7
Not quite as electric as his first half against Serbia, but another solid showing from our right winger who has been our most consistent attacker across the two games.
Jude Bellingham: 6
Nowhere near the majestic display he put in against Serbia and one of many who looked tired.
Phil Foden: 7
Was far more involved than against Serbia – although that was not hard – and had a few dangerous efforts from range, including one that smacked the post after the break.
Harry Kane: 6
Netted his 64th goal for his country with an opener he could not really miss, but then gave the ball away from Denmark’s leveller. Surprisingly subbed.
SUBS:
Conor Gallagher (on for Trent, 54): 7
Vital clearance on the stretch when Christian Eriksen was lurking and was not afraid to put his foot in.
Ollie Watkins (on for Kane, 70): 6
Played in by Bellingham’s lovely ball after coming on but could not finish from an acute angle.
Jarrod Bowen (on for Foden, 69): 6
Copped a nasty tackle which saw Joakim Maehle booked.
Eberechi Eze (on for Saka, 69): 6
On for his tournament bow though he was rarely involved.
“And in truth Denmark were the better team and deserved to win. There’s so much more to come. It’s really concerning.”
Shearer also reckons England have a tactical problem concerning Kane – and feels he has the answer.
The ex-Newcastle hero said: “He needs players in and around him. That’s why I’d have (Anthony) Gordon in the team.
“He has the energy, he has the ability to run in behind, he has the ability to run get up near him, whereas (Phil) Foden wants to play tight, play in the No10 role, very much like Harry.”
“He (Kane) is a brilliant goalscorer, he will always score goals, but what he does lack is a yard of pace and energy.”
Striker Kane told the BBC: “We know we can improve, We know there’ll be a bit of noise and disappointment back home.
“But it’s a time to stay calm, and we’ll get there step by step.”