England news conference with Carsley and Kane before Tuesday’s match with Finland

Anon: Phil – is it just
me who gets more and more annoyed when I read Kane saying he wasn’t 100% and
that losing the final puts fire in his belly. First things first being in the
final should do that but it clearly didn’t as he trotted around with no purpose
and secondly if you’re not 100% step aside. Gone are the days when we didn’t
have the depth. Past exploits don’t win current trophies.

Phil: I think he simply meant
the defeat against Spain in the final will make him even more motivated to win
something with England and I get that. I am pretty sure it was not a lack of
fire in his belly that made him below par at the Euros. Lack of full fitness
maybe, but not lack of fire and motivation. Harry Kane simply does not work
like that.

I am sure he did his
best physically but he looked out on his feet and seemed to be struggling with
an injury. And players do not step aside. I am sure he will have had
discussions over many things with Gareth Southgate then the manager makes the
decision. There was clearly a problem, though, and I can’t disagree with you on
that.

I do agree England have
plenty of depth but Harry Kane, fit and at his best, is still the best choice
in my opinion.