‘He talks sh*t’ - Ex-Premier League striker comes to Harry Kane’s defence after Bayern Munich striker is targeted by Dietmar Hamann yet again

Despite registering four hat-tricks across all competitions this season, reaching 20 goals through just 19 appearances, Kane has been accused of going missing in games that matter most. He has also seen his contribution to the England cause called into question.

Ex-Germany international and one-time Bayern midfielder Hamann said on the back of more UEFA Nations League action for the Three Lions: “I think the jury is still out whether he's got it against the best teams - because he didn't do it for England. I watched him against Ireland last week and he was poor. He played a wonder ball for the penalty but honestly that's not enough for an England captain.”

Kane is his country’s all-time leading scorer, and a talismanic presence at club level, with former Premier League frontman Deeney telling talkSPORT why Hamann’s comments hold no weight: “Boring, boring. So, if they don't win and he doesn't score, he's not a big factor. But when they win and they score, it's not his fault, it's everyone's fault. How does that work?

“I don't know Didi Hamann, he was a wonderful footballer. But I think he talks sh*t sometimes. Every time Harry scores, I don't ever hear anyone go, 'Oh, he's the sole reason they won.' It's like, 'Great team performance and Harry Kane capped it off at the end.' When they lose, it's, 'Oh no, Harry Kane's fault.' What do you want him to do? The kid scores goals and is an unbelievable footballer.”

Deeney went on to say of Kane maintaining remarkable individual standards at 31 years of age, with it difficult to understand why some people want to constantly write him off: “He's still scoring and we're all trying to replace him in England. Give the kid a break. You can have your opinion on whether he's a good player or not. But whenever they don't win, it's his fault. Whenever they win, it's everyone else's fault.”

Kane leads the Bundesliga Golden Boot race this season, with 14 efforts to his name, and sits third on the list of top scorers in the Champions League for 2024-25. He is hoping to get his hands on at least one trophy this season, as a career-long wait for major silverware is brought to a close.