Former England striker Alan Smith believes Harry Kane has mishandled criticism from Alan Shearer.
Shearer has been outspoken in his worries over England’s performances so far at Euro 2024 this summer in Germany, and while some players have accepted they have underwhelmed, others have britisled.
Kane is England’s captain, and speaking to Prime Casino , Smith suggested the Bayern Munich player should have taken the criticism on the chin.
He explained: “I wasn’t surprised to see Kane hit back at England’s critics because he can only answer the questions journalists ask him. Did you hear what Gary Lineker said? Did you hear what Shearer said? The criticism bites a bit harder when you’re a player inside the camp and you start to develop a siege mentality.
“I’ve been in Kane’s shoes, and you know very well that the players will be talking about the criticism, especially when it’s coming from Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer. I would have preferred it if Harry Kane said Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer have seen and done it all playing for England, so they’re entitled to their opinion, but we haven’t played well and we need to do better. I
“I think he could have avoided saying Lineker and Shearer have also been in this position and struggled so shouldn’t be criticising.
“Does that mean that they can’t criticise players when they are getting paid to give their opinion and insight? When performances aren’t good, things get touchy. Players cannot avoid seeing the criticism – it’s on their phones and in their rooms – they’re all aware of it, it's all about how they handle it.”
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