King of Diving? Bayern Star Harry Kane Faces Surprising Criticism | OneFootball

Harry Kane has been one of the standout players for the English national team at the World Cup. Yet, just before the semifinal against Argentina, the Bayern Munich striker is facing surprising criticism—from an English soccer legend, no less.

With six goals in six games, Harry Kane has played a major role in the Three Lions’ successful World Cup campaign. The captain is leading England into the semifinal against defending champion Argentina and is also among the favorites to win the Golden Boot.

But just now, of all times, former national team player Tony Woodcock has spoken out with critical remarks.

Woodcock takes issue with Kane’s behavior

In an interview with ran, the former England striker praised the Bayern Munich forward’s qualities but criticized his behavior on the field. “What bothers me is that he goes down a little too easily,” Woodcock explained. At the same time, the 70-year-old put his criticism into perspective: “But he’s not the only one in today’s soccer who does that.”

The England legend, however, leaves no doubt about Kane’s fundamental abilities. “Harry just scores goals,” Woodcock emphasized. He also doesn’t view the Bayern star’s frequent forays into midfield as inherently problematic.

“At Bayern, Kane gets the support he needs.”

Photo: Getty Images

Woodcock’s assessment of the English national team’s style of play is significantly more critical. “Kane needs the ball in the penalty area, just like Haaland does for Norway, for example. But that’s exactly what we’re lacking right now,” the former striker explained.

In his view, England plays with too many touches too often instead of quickly finding a way into the penalty area. “Everyone plays with so many touches these days, but that doesn’t get you into the most important part of the soccer field. And that’s the penalty area.”

Woodcock also drew a comparison to FC Bayern.

“At Bayern, Kane gets the service. He’s already scored six goals in this World Cup, but if we don’t play forward toward the penalty area, you don’t see him.”

Woodcock, however, continues to view the striker’s move to Munich extremely positively. “He’s moved to another country, to a club that feels like the best-run club both on and off the field. No one’s talking about the 100 million euro transfer fee anymore,” the former national team player clarified.