Sir Alex Ferguson coach suggests Gareth Southgate could make dramatic England XI change

Former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen has astonishingly suggested benching Harry Kane for England's Euro 2024 final against Spain.

Despite being substituted off in every knockout match, the Three Lions captain is one of the tournament's top scorers with three goals to his name. Questions have been asked about Kane's ability to press during tournament, while there have also been fitness concerns about the former Tottenham man.

After Ollie Watkins' remarkable winner against the Netherlands, questions have surfaced over whether he should replace the nation's all-time leading scorer in Sunday's (July 14) match, reports the Mirror.

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Meulensteen, who worked under Sir Alex Ferguson for six years, proposed a brave approach during his appearance on talkSPORT on Thursday (July 11), which involves resting the 30-year-old for the initial part of the crucial game in order to rattle Spain.

"If you want to unsettle Spain, you need legs, energy and intensity," he expressed. "So if you could start with another striker, you keep Harry on the bench because if the game settles down going into the second half and still Kane can get a good 30 or 45 minutes, and maybe extra-time and penalties, you bring him in later in the game".

Watkins seems to be the clear replacement for Kane after his successful goal against the Netherlands. However, Ivan Toney's appearances from the bench during the tournament may provide Southgate with an alternative option, should he decide to shake things up.

Meulensteen conceded that he doesn't think Southgate will