Euro 2016: England boss Roy Hodgson set to recall Harry Kane following dour Slovakia stalemate

Following the turgid 0-0 draw with Slovakia on Monday night, England qualified for the next stage as runners-up

Harry Kane has endured a frustration European Championship campaign

Roy Hodgson, the England manager, is reportedly planning to restore Harry Kane to his starting line-up in the second round of the European Championship.

Following the turgid 0-0 draw with Slovakia on Monday night, England qualified for the next stage as runners-up in Group B to Wales having scored just three goals during their group stage campaign.

Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge started up front in Saint-Étienne but drew blanks despite scoring off the bench to defeat Wales last week in Lens. Kane, meanwhile, has suffered from fatigue after making 50 appearances for Tottenham last season.

According to the Daily Telegraph, Hodgson has prioritised finishing during training at England’s headquarters in Chantilly ahead of next Monday’s last-16 clash in Nice. They will play the runners-up of Group F, meaning Portugal could be one outcome.

Hungary, Iceland and Austria could also be the next hurdle for England to leap depending on how the group shapes up after their final matches this evening.

Kane was rested for the stalemate against Slovakia and, despite an admirable display from Vardy, is likely to lead England’s attack for the rest of the tournament with Hodgson aware that he is unlikely to be offered a new contract unless he guides them to the semi-finals.

The Independent understands that Hodgson’s selection gamble this week has gone down badly with senior figures at the Football Association. While the FA hierarchy remain confident about the prospects of progressing to the last eight, England are now on a collision course with hosts France at the Stade de France in the quarter-finals.