Harry Kane dismisses fitness concerns as England chase Euro 2024 final place

Harry Kane has rebuffed suggestions he is struggling with his fitness as he aims to make history with an England side surrounded by a new “aura” at Euro 2024.

The England captain was substituted during extra time of the quarter-final win over Switzerland, watching the penalty shoot-out from the side of the pitch.

Eyebrows were raised after a poor outing for the Bayern Munich striker but manager Gareth Southgate revealed “cramp” was the reason for Kane’s withdrawal and he is all but certain to start Wednesday’s semi-final clash with the Netherlands.

England’s all-time leading goalscorer has found the back of the net twice during the Euros but has drawn criticism for some of his performances and was also replaced with 20 minutes to go in the 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 it’s not always the case,” he said.

“Maybe sometimes when I don’t score I think the fitness one is an easy one just to throw in –  ‘Why? Is there a reason? Is it his fitness? Is it not?’.

“But like I said before the tournament, I felt like I had a good preparation going into it, I’m getting better and sharper as the games go along.

“We have a semi-final ahead of us and of course I’d love nothing more than to score a couple of goals and get through to the final.”

Semi-final travel day