Kane provided a reassuring update, indicating that it was merely cramp that prevented him from continuing and participating in the penalty shootout. After the Bayern Munich striker was substituted following 109 minutes, Southgate had a ready replacement in Ivan Toney, a reliable penalty-taker.
There was initial worry when Kane’s momentum carried him off the pitch and into Southgate by the bench. Kane, who would have likely taken England’s first penalty in the shootout, saw his spot instead converted by Cole Palmer. Toney also successfully scored his penalty, helping England achieve a perfect five-for-five in a European Championship or World Cup shootout for the first time.
Kane explained, “I’m fine, I was just tired. I had a bit of cramp there. I tripped over the water bottles and got cramp in both calves. The boss made a quick decision obviously with [Ivan], a proven penalty taker. He came on and did the job.”
“We’re enjoying the ride. We’re proud to be in another semi-final. We know how much it means to everyone back home watching. We want to do everyone proud. The longer we go in the competition in the manner that we’re doing, it just gives us more and more belief that we’re finding ways to win. That’s an important factor in big competitions.”
Signs suggest Kane will be fit for England’s semi-final on Wednesday night. At the time of advancing, Southgate’s team was unaware of their opponent, with the Netherlands later coming from behind to defeat Turkey and set up the semi-final clash.