Alexander-Arnold: Virgil Van Dijk Will Be Happy If Harry Kane Is Absent

Harry Kane is doubtful of appearing against the Netherlands in the semifinals of Euro 2024 (Instagram/@harrykane).

JAKARTA - England will face the Netherlands in the semifinals of Euro 2024 on Thursday, July 11, 2024, early morning WIB.

Harry Kane is in doubt of appearing in the important party.

Many people think Kane is still difficult to bring out his best abilities. He lost speed and sharpness.

However, there is a big suspicion that minor performance is based on a back injury that has not yet recovered properly. The injury left Kane absent in Bayern Munich's last few matches.

Together with England, Kane was substituted in three of England's five matches, including the quarter-final against Switzerland. He came out in extra time before a penalty shootout.

Trent Alexander-Arnold revealed that Liverpool team-mate Virgil van Dijk would be delighted if Kane was absent.

"Anyone who faces England wants to see Harry Kane not play. We are talking about England's record scorer."

"He scored twice in this tournament, helping us win the game. As our captain, he led by example and giving everything in the game."

"People will always have opinions, but he took us to the semifinals. He was one of the reasons why the environment in the camp was so good. He was the reason why we headed for the semifinals."

"You know he's a threat. If he's in and around the box, you have to be vigilant. He's the best finisher I've ever seen," Alexander-Arnold said.

Kane has scored 65 goals in 96 games with the Three Lions, including two goals at Euro 2024.

The former Tottenham Hotspur star also became the backbone of Bayern Munich by scoring 44 goals in his first 45 games.

However, Kane's appearance at Euro 2024 has drawn criticism even though he scored an important England goal.

One of the criticisms came from England's football pandit, Ian Wright. He claims it's time for Gareth Southgate to make changes up front.

"Kane is not sharp, he is not in the penalty box. Now we know Ivan Toney can reach that level. We have to make that decision," Wright said.

However, it seems that Southgate has not heeded the criticism too much. Apart from Kane being his favorite player, the captain also had a positive impact on the team.

Previously, Southgate was also flooded with input to pair Ivan Toney and Kane from the start if they didn't want to overthrow the England captain.

The suggestion slid as the Three Lions were considered more effective if they had two pure strikers and had the option of scoring more goals.