Ian Wright reveals why he is 'worried' about England star ahead of Euro 2024 semi-final clash against the Netherlands
Ian Wright has revealed that he has concerns about one England star ahead of Wednesday's Euro 2024 semi-final against the Netherlands.
England made it through to the last four after overcoming Switzerland on penalties in the quarter-finals.
Gareth Southgate's side haven't been at their best so far at the tournament in Germany but they will still have confidence that they can go all the way.
The Three Lions are looking to go one better than in the final of Euro 2020, when they were beaten on penalties by Italy.
Wright, though, believes that one aspect of England's game needs to improve if they are to prevail.
Wright admitted that he is 'worried' about Harry Kane's form, especially as England will need to put Virgil van Dijk under pressure.
Kane has scored two goals in five appearances at the tournament so far but his overall displays have been concerning, with the striker often being isolated for long periods.
Speaking on Wrighty's House podcast, Wright said: ‘We’re going to need somebody to put Virgil van Dijk under pressure.
‘We need someone to make him a little uneasy.
‘This is why it worries me with Harry Kane and his form at the moment.
‘I think we’re going to need a focal point and someone in and around Virgil, to make him a little uneasy, backing in to him, leaning in to him, doing all the stuff that Virgil doesn’t like.
‘He’s that accomplished defender who likes time, he likes to nick the ball away. So I think you need someone around him who’s going to make him feel a little bit uneasy.’
Ivan Toney, who has featured as a substitute in the last two games, and Ollie Watkins are alternative options to Kane.
Despite his concerns about Kane, Wright believes that England will be able to get the better of the Netherlands.
Wright feels that the return to action of Luke Shaw, who made his first appearance of the tournament as a substitute against Switzerland, will give England a huge boost.
Wright said: ‘My takeaway from the England game is that there’s enough there now to hang your hat on. You can hang your hat on something now.
‘Players are more confident and fit, Luke Shaw coming back could be a massive confidence boost to the team.
‘You’ve got to go into that game feeling confident. I’m quite confident now that we’re capable of beating the Netherlands. I think we will, I think we beat them 2-1.’