The conclusion of the Euro 2024 final on Sunday, which resulted in a 2-1 loss to Spain, was marked by the emotional display of Harry Kane, the England captain. This outcome represents yet another instance of England and its captain experiencing disappointment in major tournaments, as their quest for a championship trophy remains unfulfilled.
The Bayern Munich forward had to observe with distress after
being substituted as Mikel Oyarzabal delivered the decisive goal four minutes
before the end of the match.
Kane only had 13 touches during his time on the field, and
consistent with his performance throughout the tournament, he was unable to
make any significant impact.
“It’s hard to put into words how we’re all feeling right
now,” he said.
“These finals aren’t easy to get to. You have to take it
when it comes and we haven’t done it again. It’s extremely painful and it’ll
hurt for a long time.”
Kane still managed to secure a portion of the Golden Boot
award due to his three goals. However, this achievement may provide limited
consolation considering the disappointment of losing a second European
Championship final within a three-year period.
He will turn 31 before he plays again and admitted on the
eve of the game that with every passing year, he is more acutely aware of the
need to break his trophy drought.
Defeat rounded off a frustrating tournament for England’s
all-time record goalscorer.
He was a lightning rod for the barrage of criticism that
came England’s way earlier in the competition as they stuttered and stumbled
their way towards Berlin, thanks to isolated moments of individual brilliance
and a kind draw.
Kane has been the focal point for all of England’s rise from
perennial underachievers to persistent contenders under Gareth Southgate.
Named captain just before their first major tournament
together at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Kane picked up the Golden Boot as his
six goals helped fire his nation to the semi-finals for the first time in 28
years.
Physical Struggles
Kane scored four times in the knockout stages as England
then reached the final of Euro 2020 on home soil three years ago, only to fall
short on penalties to Italy.
So often a trusted marksman from the penalty spot, it was
his wayward spot-kick in the closing stages that condemned England to defeat in
the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup to France.
Just over six months later, he decided to leave his boyhood
club Tottenham behind to chase trophies at Bayern Munich.
Kane smashed in 44 goals in 45 games but could not prevent a
first trophyless season for the Germain giants since 2012 as Bayer Leverkusen
stormed to an unbeaten league and cup domestic double.
That form, combined with the stunning seasons of Jude
Bellingham, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, and Cole Palmer made England one of the
favourites for the Euros before a ball was kicked.
But they never delivered on the hype despite battling
through the final with Kane looking physically exhausted and still carrying a
back injury that ended his club season early.
“Physically it has been tough for him,” said Southgate.
“He came into the tournament short on games and has not
quite reached the level we all would have hoped.”
For the fifth time in seven games at the tournament,
Southgate decided to replace his skipper.
The change worked a treat in the semi-final as Ollie Watkins
fired in a brilliant stoppage-time winner against the Netherlands.
Southgate turned to Watkins once more in search of an
equaliser after Nico Williams had fired Spain in front early in the second
half.
Once again England rallied as Palmer found the far corner
from outside the box.
Kane’s jubilant leap off the bench notwithstanding,
Southgate’s team failed to capitalize on this initial burst of energy, as Spain
gradually regained control of the match, culminating in Oyarzabal’s decisive
strike.
The immediate concern for England’s management team is to
determine the appropriate course of action moving forward.
Southgate indicated that he will take some time to
contemplate his future, while Kane will be approaching the age of 33 by the
time the next World Cup takes place.
Given their financial dominance in German football, it
appears highly likely that Bayern will eventually secure silverware.
However, Kane’s most opportune moment to achieve
international glory may have passed.
AFP