'No way you can leave him out!' - Harry Kane critics told why England captain must start Euro 2024 semi-final against the Netherlands as Alan Shearer reveals advice to get Bayern Munich star firing again

Shearer, who played at major tournaments for England in 1992, 1996, 1998 and 2000, insists there is "no way" Gareth Southgate should drop Kane as long as the Bayern Munich striker isn't injured because he could get a goal at any time. But the pundit has advised a smarter way of playing to ensure that England can get the best out of an almost 31-year-old Kane.

Off the back of a 44-goal debut season with Bayern, Kane has scored twice in five games at Euro 2024. But his overall performances have been criticised, which has even led to some calls for him to be dropped altogether.

Shearer told Betfair: "Unless Harry Kane is injured, he plays. He's the captain and the record goalscorer. There's no way you can leave him out. Yes, he's not looked as sharp as we would like him to but he has got two goals. Whether he's carrying an injury I don't know, but he certainly hasn't looked sharp. We all know that if a chance falls to him then he'll more than likely put it away.

"What was said to me when I hit my 30s, was to play in the 18-yard box and not worry about tracking outside of that. I know Harry likes to come short and spray passes about which he's very good at but his best work needs to be in the box because that's his game and he wants goals.

"We also have players who can do the job of passing and coming short - it doesn't need to be him. I'd play Harry Kane but I'd be telling him to do his work in the box rather than coming back. You wouldn't bet against Harry getting another one or two goals in the semi-finals and final and that's the right of reply you have as a forward."

Kane is not thought to be troubled by an accidental collision with Gareth Southgate on the sidelines during extra-time of the quarter-final of Switzerland. His swift withdrawal after that incident was put down to cramp in both calf muscles, but he is likely to start against a Netherlands side on Wednesday night that stands between England and a second straight Euros final.