Harry Kane labelled an 'absolute idiot' as fuming England fans call for Ollie Watkins to come on for 'useless' captain after excruciating first-half against Spain in Euro 2024 final

Kane managed 12 touches - fewer than any other player on the field - and just one shot in the opening 45 minutes as England and Spain failed to break the deadlock in the final in Berlin. His lacklustre display prompted fans to call for him to be taken off, with many hoping to see Watkins brought on in his place.

"Get Kane off," wrote one user. "Absolute idiot. Meant to be the striker and just constantly coming back to give Rice a cuddle. Just get in scoring positions it’s not difficult. Cant even win a flick on anymore. Bloody useless. Watkins would stretch the game perfectly."

Pundit Jamie O'Hara agreed, saying: "Kane off Watkins on for me. Laboured again need someone sharp up there."

"It's sad but Kane is just so far off the pace again so far," said Mark Goldbridge, while another fan complained: "F*cking state of Kane man. Hovering 35 yards out when we're on the attack."

"Harry Kane and Phil Foden off at half time please, this is hurting my eyes," was another fan's take, while another said: "Kane is an absolute spent force and has been all tournament. Shouldn’t be starting".

Another called on manager Gareth Southgate to step up and make the big call by taking him off, writing: "Even more noticeable in the ground how much Kane is hurting this team. He’s clearly not fit and we need an outlet. Gareth needs to be bold."

A fan by the name of Ash added: "Good half except for the obvious elephant in the room. Southgate needs to be brave, get Kane off. If we are going long, get Toney on. If we are going round the back, get Watkins on. Kane is once again this tournament, something we couldn't ever accuse him of being. A liability."

Kane has faced criticism throughout the tournament for his disappointing performances. He scored three goals in the competition, netting against Denmark, Slovakia and Netherlands. Watkins, meanwhile, came off the bench to score the last minute winner in the semi-final against the Dutch, leading to many wanting him to feature in the final.

Southgate obviously did not completely agree with the Three Lions supporters' assessments of Kane as he opted not to make any changes to his team at half-time. However, at the hour mark, the fans finally got what they wanted as Watkins came on to replace Kane. By then, though, Spain were already ahead with Nico Williams scoring early in the second half. Cole Palmer equalised after stepping off the bench himself, but Mikel Oyarzabal had the final say as he produced a cool close-range finish four minutes from time to seal the trophy for Spain.