'Didn't reach the level we hoped' - Gareth Southgate makes stark Harry Kane Euro 2024 fitness admission as England boss explains decision to take captain off early in final loss to Spain

The prolific Bayern Munich striker, who entered the competition carrying a knock that kept him out of season-ending fixtures at club level, never looked fully fit when captaining his country at another major tournament. He did score three goals, and claimed a share of the Golden Boot, but faced questions of his contribution throughout.

Those continued in a final showdown with Spain, leading to Kane being replaced by Ollie Watkins just past the hour mark. England restored parity with their skipper on the bench, as Cole Palmer cancelled out Nico Williams’ opener, but there was more heartache for the Three Lions as Mikel Oyarzabal netted four minutes from time.

Southgate told BBC Sport afterwards of Kane's struggles and why he was hauled off again with major silverware on the line: “Physically it has been tough for him. He came into the tournament short on games and has not quite reached the level we all would have hoped. The games are hugely demanding and we thought Ollie’s freshness would allow us to press better and offer a press in behind. I thought the substitutes came on and did what we asked them to do.”

Southgate added when reflecting on England’s performance overall: “We’ve competed until the very end of the final. I think today we didn’t keep possession of the ball quite well enough. We defended well but when you win the ball back you need to get out of that pressure. And we weren’t able to do that. That meant they had more control of the game and that can wear you down a bit. That said we got the equaliser and then it was wide open. A big chance at the end to equalise so as always it is fine margins. I do think they were the best team in the tournament.”

The wait for tangible success goes on for England’s men’s team, with that barren run set to have hit the 60-year mark by the time that the 2026 World Cup rolls around. It remains to be seen who will be leading the line and calling the shots at that event, with change being mooted on and off the field.