Harry Kane ‘very, very low’ after World Cup penalty miss, says England manager Gareth Southgate

Southgate suggested the unusual scenario of taking a second penalty in the same game, against a familiar foe in Hugo Lloris, may have disturbed Kane’s psychology

Lawrence Ostlere
Al Bayt Stadium
Saturday 10 December 2022 22:57 GMT
Comments
Harry Kane is consoled by Gareth Southgate at full-time
Harry Kane is consoled by Gareth Southgate at full-time (AP)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Harry Kane was “very, very low” after missing a penalty during England’s World Cup quarter-final defeat by France, but manager Gareth Southgate defended his captain and insisted he had nothing to be sorry for.

Kane had earlier scored an England equaliser from the spot, crashing the ball into the net of his Tottenham teammate Hugo Lloris to equal Wayne Rooney’s record tally of 53 England goals. But at the second time of asking, with the score now 2-1 following Olivier Giroud’s headed goal for France, Kane lashed his effort high over the crossbar and England never recovered.

Southgate revealed Kane was distraught in the dressing room after the game.

“He’s very, very low, but he’s got nothing to reproach himself for,” the manager said. “We are in the position we are as a team because of his leadership, his goals, over a long period of time. Tonight is a result of 100 minutes of football. For us there are no recriminations. We’ve always stuck together as a team and we win and lose together.”

Kane hit the first penalty to his favoured left side, and Southgate suggested the unusual scenario of taking another in the same game, against a familiar foe, may have disturbed the striker’s psychology. “It’s difficult when you get a second penalty in a game, with a goalkeeper you know so well. There’s a lot going on there.”

He added: “Harry’s the best, and the best are 85 per cent [penalty conversion rate], but even the best still miss. If we had one tomorrow, I’d still want him to take it.”

Asked what he had told the players in a huddle on the pitch after the game was lost, Southgate said: “That they know how close they’ve come, they’ve pushed a top nation all the way - more possession, more attempts on goal. I’m very proud of how they’ve played all tournament, I think we’ve shown a different side in terms of the way we’ve played. I couldn’t ask for more from the group of players or staff, but of course we’ve come up short. Tonight is very difficult.”

The manager is contracted until Euro 2024 and beyond, but will now take time to consider whether he should continue in the job after six years at the helm.

“The energy it takes is enormous. I want to make the right decision for the team, England, the FA, and I’ve got to be sure whatever decision I make is the right one. I know my feelings have fluctuated in the immediate aftermath of tournaments.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in