Former Premier League player and pundit Jamie O’Hara didn’t hold back in his critique of the Bayern Munich forward following a lackluster performance against Switzerland in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals. Despite scoring twice in the tournament, Kane struggled to influence the attack and was substituted in the 109th minute as England sought a decisive goal.
O’Hara drew comparisons between Kane and Ronaldo, who had a disappointing campaign with Portugal, exiting the tournament without scoring a goal. Similarly, O’Hara questioned Gareth Southgate’s decision to persist with Kane and urged him to drop the forward from the starting lineup.
Speaking to Grosvenor Sport, O’Hara remarked, “England had more problems with Harry Kane up front against Switzerland. He was non-existent. It’s like having Cristiano Ronaldo in the team – he’s only there because of his name. Gareth Southgate will never take him off because he thinks he might score – and he has scored a couple in this tournament – but he’s miles off the pace at the moment.”
O’Hara emphasized Kane’s fitness concerns, criticizing him as “sluggish” and “unmotivated,” noting his lack of movement and intensity in front of goal.
“There needs to be a serious consideration about him not playing against the Netherlands – he appears sluggish, unmotivated, not making the necessary runs into the box, and lacking the determination to score goals anymore,” O’Hara added.
As England prepares for a crucial match against the Netherlands, all eyes are on Southgate’s lineup choices, particularly whether Kane will feature. Should he play, Kane will aim to silence his critics with a match-winning performance to propel England to their second consecutive European Championship final.