sport news DANNY MURPHY: If England aren't going to play to Harry Kane's strengths then he ... trends now

With England all but qualified, Harry Kane should be given a rest against Wales on Tuesday because he didn’t look right against the USA. And when he returns fresher for the knockout stages, I’m hoping the England captain’s role is refined.

I’d stop him retreating into his own half except when defending set-pieces because there was too much of that on Friday night. We also want to use him more as an out ball. Other countries have gone long in this World Cup to mix it up but for some reason England rarely do when we’ve got one of the best target men in the business.

I understand why Gareth Southgate took the risk to select Kane against the USA, even though it was England’s second game in five days and he had a foot problem. He is our captain, leader and best goalscorer and it was a very important match to win and get out of the group.

He played as if he was carrying an injury. Now we’ve got the result that virtually guarantees us a place in the last 16, it would be sensible and logical to give Kane a break.

Callum Wilson or Marcus Rashford down the middle are more than good enough to play the Welsh and we need Kane for bigger tests ahead.

We know Kane is a wonderful technician and penalty area player but one thing I hope we learn from the USA game is that, when we’re not playing very well, it’s fine to play a bit longer up to him.

I’ve noticed more of that tactic at this World Cup from other countries. I just hope because of our history England are not trapped into thinking we have to play good football all the time. 

We have a 6ft 2ins centre-forward good enough to jump with the best in the world. I’d like to see Jordan Pickford telling his back four to get lost in certain situations and play a 60-yard pass up to Kane.

I don’t

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