Gareth Southgate has discussed England’s reliance on Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling for goals ahead of the Three Lions Nations League clash with Hungary.
England have endured a disappointing start to the UEFA Nations League and are winless after three games, with Kane’s late penalty against Germany the nation’s only goal of the campaign so far.
Southgate’s side have become reliant on Kane and Raheem Sterling for goals with central defender Harry Maguire the third highest goalscorer in the current squad on seven international goals.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Southgate discussed his attacking options and the World Cup hopes of Manchester United duo Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho, following a decision to omit the pair from his squad for June’s fixtures.
“There was a perception of what we have and had and reality of what Harry and Raheem have delivered compared to everyone else,” Southgate said.
“There are a lot of clubs searching around Europe for players this summer. Ours have still got steps to take. I’m really happy with the options we’ve got.
“We’ve not been able to have Phil [Foden] this time, there’s still some players who can really make a difference at times and there’s a good competition.
“My focus is on the players here now. Whenever there’s a question about Man Utd it lands in their lap and becomes a bigger deal than everything else. With every player, if they’re playing well for their club then they’re going to be in our consideration, simple as that.
“There are lots of players who have the ambition of being in the squad for Qatar and it’s a challenge for all of them to look forward to.”
Kane spoke alongside the England boss and opened up on his role, with the 28-year-old having registered his 50th international goal to move past Bobby Charlton as the second highest scorer in the nation’s history last week.
The Tottenham forward is now just four goals away from eclipsing Wayne Rooney’s all-time landmark and admits he relishes the pressure and expectation that comes with scoring goals for the Three Lions.
“As a striker you have that expectation, the team have expectation on you as well to produce. I enjoy scoring goals, I enjoy winning games. I’ll try to help the team in whatever aspect it is.
“We all know our responsibilities and jobs.”
