Harry Kane defends Gareth Southgate amid criticism of England boss

Harry Kane has leapt to the defence of England boss Gareth Southgate as criticism over his perceived negative tactics increases.

Southgate last week insisted he will not outstay his welcome as the England manager as he hit back at pundits who have been suggested his approach is too conservative.

The Three Lions boss has taken his country to a World Cup semi-final, a Nations League third-place finish and the final of Euro 2020 in the past four years.

But even during his most successful spells he has had to face accusations that he sets up his sides too cautiously, with former England striker Gary Lineker among the latest to question Southgate’s selection choices.

Kane, who worked with Southgate at Under-21 level before being reunited with the seniors in 2016, has been an integral part of the set-up in recent years and was quick to back his international boss.

“I can’t speak highly enough of Gareth,” he said. “I had him with the 21s and then obviously since he’s been with the senior team and I think he really understands what the England team needs to be successful.

“I feel like we’ve created a really good family here and we have a good connection with the fans, which is what we didn’t have probably six years ago at that Euros.

“We’ll keep trying to improve and making the country proud. I think we’ve done that and we all have that major hunger and desire to win a major tournament. I think it’s still a good possibility.”

Asked if he was “frustrated” by the criticism coming Southgate’s way, Kane added: “Yes, I think when you look as an England team, we’ve been one of the most successful England teams there’s been over our history and Gareth has been the main part of that.

“So of course, there’s always going to be noise, it’s