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Gary Neville reveals his concerns over England's treatment of Harry Kane

Neville doesn't think Kane should've been included for both the Nations League opener against Spain and Tuesday's friendly with Switzerland

Wednesday 12 September 2018 07:32 BST

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Gary Neville claims England should have given captain Harry Kane a break from international duty after expressing concern the striker is mentally exhausted.

England's summer run to the World Cup semi-finals in Russia saw Kane finish as the tournament's leading scorer.

It came in his first finals as leader of the team, and Neville believes the inevitable stress Kane has been under is now showing.

He questioned whether England boss Gareth Southgate got it right by including Kane in match-day squads for both the Nations League opener against Spain and Tuesday's friendly with Switzerland.

England vs Switzerland player ratings

Show all 11

1/11England vs Switzerland player ratings

England vs Switzerland player ratings

Jack Butland - 6

Made some very curious and almost costly decisions in Jordan Pickford’s absence. In the first half he played a very relaxed pass across goal, which Switzerland intercepted but danger adverted. Was considerably better with his hands than he was with his feet and made a couple of good saves.

Reuters

England vs Switzerland player ratings

Kyle Walker - 6

Took out the entire Switzerland defence with a brilliant cross to set up Rashford to score. Looked like he’s forgotten how to play in a back three and often left his defenders exposed by not getting across and covering for them.

PA

England vs Switzerland player ratings

James Tarkowski - 5

Made an error in possession on the edge of the box and was lucky to see Shaqiri fire wide. Lots of gaps between him and Walker.

REUTERS

England vs Switzerland player ratings

Harry Maguire - 6

Rarely stepped forward in possession, played safe passes instead. Defended reasonably well on his home ground.

Getty Images

England vs Switzerland player ratings

Trent Alexander-Arnold - 6

Got forward enough but there was a slight shortcoming when he got into the final third. Always tried to be positive, but Kieran Trippier’s place is probably safe.

AFP/Getty Images

England vs Switzerland player ratings

Danny Rose - 8

Was easily England’s best player in the first half and provided a really good attacking outlet as well as tracking back. Very good performance, and one that Luke Shaw might be concerned about.

AFP/Getty Images

England vs Switzerland player ratings

Eric Dier - 5

Although they did not have a large number of attacking players, there was a feeling that Switzerland got behind England’s midfield a little too easily in the first half, which is down to Dier to prevent.

Getty Images

England vs Switzerland player ratings

Ruben Loftus-Cheek - 5

Lacked an intelligence and attacking instinct which suggests he is a little sluggish, presumably due to his lack of playing time. For example, he was loitering on the edge of the box for an early cut back instead of darting towards the penalty spot where he could have scored from.

AP

England vs Switzerland player ratings

Fabian Delph - 5

Made some attacking runs and always wanted possession. Did okay and provided a lot of energy to the midfield, but not too much else.

AFP/Getty Images

England vs Switzerland player ratings

Marcus Rashford - 8

Took his goal well and showed a good amount of composure to convert Walker’s cross from close range. Probably the player that Switzerland feared the most. His direct running was useful in getting England up the pitch and into attacking areas. Did not have a huge number of chances to score, but he continued to show he can be a viable alternative to Harry Kane or Raheem Sterling.

EPA

England vs Switzerland player ratings

Danny Welbeck - 5

Did not have a lot of luck in front of goal and was often a little too late onto the scene when crosses came into the box. Seemed a bit disappointed to come off in the second half but may reflect that he could have done better.

AP

"I am concerned about Harry Kane. Since 2015 he has played 175 matches and he's struggling. Forget the physical side, he needs a mental break as well," Neville said on Sky Sports.

"I don't think he should have been here for the two weeks. I think there is a welfare thing in terms of looking after players. He has not had enough of a break since 2015."

Neville suggested Kane "needs a real break and that escape" from the pressures of his responsibilities, with the 25-year-old such a key figure for his country and Tottenham.

The former Manchester United and England defender, who also had a spell as Three Lions assistant boss during Roy Hodgson's reign, said that Kane "just looks like he needs looking after".

Kane was a substitute against Switzerland (PA)

Kane, along with most of England's starters from Saturday's game against Spain, was named as a substitute for the Switzerland friendly.

He came off the bench at the King Power Stadium to play the final half-hour as England held on for a 1-0 victory following Marcus Rashford's goal.

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