England did not enjoy the best of starts in the UEFA Nations League, losing 2-1 at home against Spain in their opening game. Regardless, Gareth Southgate admits that he is planning on taking a risk and resting Harry Kane for their upcoming game in the current international break.
The Tottenham forward has been his nation's star name, becoming captain and winning the World Cup Golden Boot under their young manager. However, this has come at an expense, with the Three Lions gaffer confessing that the skipper is tired from playing several games.
Southgate insists that this move is for the long-term, as he wishes to avoid seeing the goalscoring machine suffer a burnout after his quiet game against La Furia Roja. Should England lose their next game, this will be the first time in history they have suffered four consecutive defeats, but the national team boss knows it's up to him and not Pochettino to hand Kane a breather.
"Harry falls in that category in which we have several players where we have to watch how much they play," he said, as per the Telegraph.
"It was a short break with no pre-season and everybody was back earlier than everybody would have expected for club matches, although that is entirely understandable.
"Is he due a rest? I think so. We talked a bit after the World Cup about the demands of the modern player. Everybody has got to play a part in that but the clubs own the player and they have got to do the right thing for them.
"Normally, we have not got opposing objectives but the clubs would be holding their breath and hiding behind their sofas watching our teams go out, but this is one of those occasions where we want to look at our squad and do the right thing with the players for our long-term benefit."
With Sterling injured and Vardy now retired, Southgate's options in attack are diminishing. Gareth, however, is adamant that the likes of Lingard, Rashford, Welbeck, and Solanke deserve chances to prove their worth.
England's next clash will see them lock horns with Switzerland in a friendly. As stated before, the Three Lions could make unwanted history if they lose this tie, with their fans hoping they return to winning ways.
