Dietmar Hamann targets Harry Kane: Bayern Munich & England star on receiving end of 'scores a lot of penalties' jibe as ex-Germany international continues bizarre tirade

Former Bayern midfielder Hamann, who spent time in England with the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City, has questioned Kane’s contribution to domestic and international causes on a regular basis this season. The England captain stands accused of going missing in big games, when his input matters most.

Those questions are being asked of Kane despite the 31-year-old frontman racing to 20 goals again this term, while also taking his record-breaking tally of strikes for his country to 69 and counting. Many consider him to be one of, if not the best No.9 on the planet, but Hamann continues to pick fault.

The ex-Germany international has told Genting Casino of Kane’s ongoing presence in the England team, with Thomas Tuchel preparing to inherit managerial reins there: “He scores goals in Germany, but he scores a lot of penalties. I think the question about his future has to be asked. Will Kane be able to lead the line at the World Cup? If I look at him now, sometimes he doesn't look right. I don't know what it is, but I think his performances, especially for England, have not been very good. The big question is, will he be the number one centre-forward and England’s best striker in the summer of 2026? I've got huge doubts about that, and that's a decision the manager has to make.”

Hamann went on to say: “Tuchel’s a huge admirer of Kane. I don't think he'll make that decision and take him out of the team. With [Dominic] Solanke and [Ollie] Watkins, it's a different game. When you play with a quick centre-forward, it's a different game. If you've got a centre-forward who can run away from centre backs, it changes the whole game, and I'm not sure whether Kane could. He’s certainly not quicker than he was five years ago. He's just not that type of player.”

Kane’s game has never been based on speed over the ground, with it his ability to sniff out chances and take them with unerring regularity that has made him one of the most fearsome frontmen in world football. The general consensus is that ex-Bayern boss Tuchel will find a role for England’s captain in his plans for 2025 and beyond.