Lee Carsley backs Harry Kane amid criticism from German media

England interim manager Lee Carsley insists Harry Kane will "always score goals" amid criticism of the Bayern Munich striker following his last two outings.

Kane was accused by a Bild journalist of going missing in big games in the wake of Bayern's 1-1 draw with Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen at the weekend.

The German media came for the England captain again after Bayern were beaten by Aston Villa in the Champions League on Wednesday night, with the same publication branding him 'invisible'.

For context, Kane has managed 15 goal involvements in ten appearances across all competitions so far this season, including a four-goal haul against Dinamo Zagreb. Leverkusen and Villa are the first two games of 2024/25 in which he hasn't delivered at least a goal or assist, but they have also been the most high profile and toughest fixtures yet for the Bundesliga leaders.

Carsley, taking charge of his second international break as temporary England boss, isn't concerned.

"I watched the [Aston Villa] match last night and it was a brilliant game, really high tempo. Harry Kane is important to us and he will always score goals," he said at Thursday afternoon's press conference when announcing England's October squad.

"Centre-forwards are an easy target for some, as you expect them to deliver, but there are ten other players and he needs support and to have chances created for him and I think he is outstanding. [Kane] was outstanding in our last camp and is in a good place."

Kane earned his 100th senior cap for England last month, scoring his 67th and 68th international goals during a 2-0 win over Finland in the UEFA Nations League. The Three Lions will host Greece at Wembley on 10 October, before the return clash with Finland in Helsinki three days later.

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