Trent Alexander-Arnold launches passionate defence of under-fire Harry Kane ahead of England's Euro 2024 semi-final against the Netherlands

Despite scoring two goals in the tournament, Kane's overall impact has been questioned. The Bayern Munich striker has been far from sharp in front of goal which has allowed his critics to doubt his form and efficiency - with some even suggesting that he should be axed from the starting line-up.

However, Alexander-Arnold, unwavering in his praise for Kane, labelled him as the "best finisher" he has ever come across. He also highlighted Kane's remarkable record of 65 international goals, the highest in English history, to underscore his importance to the Three Lions squad.

While speaking to reporters, Alexander-Arnold said: "Anyone who is facing England would like to see Harry Kane not playing. I think we are talking about England’s record goalscorer so that is as big as anything you can say about him. You just know he is a threat. Anything in and around the box, you need to be on red alert. He can finish it from any angle. I always say he is the best finisher I have seen or played with. He can find the back of the net from anywhere. He can drop down and build play up and his hold-up play is incredible, too. All round, a fantastic player.”

As England prepares to face the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 semi-finals in Dortmund, Kane will come up against a familiar face in Virgil van Dijk, Alexander-Arnold’s team-mate at Liverpool. However, he admitted that there is little he can do to help Kane and Co. exploit Van Dijk's weaknesses, as the Dutch defender is formidable at his job.

"The quality he has got, I think anyone who has watched him play, at club level or for his national team, will say how good a player he is, so he has not got many weaknesses," he said.

"I don’t know that I can be of much help to our attacking players but we have got to get past him and get past them to reach a final.”

England's path to the Euro 2024 final hinges on their ability to overcome the Netherlands, a task that will undoubtedly be challenging. The support and confidence shown by Alexander-Arnold in Kane underlines the overwhelming belief that the Bayern Munich striker enjoys among his team-mates. And there will not be a sweeter time to get back in form for Kane as England are just two matches away from lifting their first major trophy of the century.