Thomas Tuchel has revealed that he never contemplated substituting Harry Kane during England's World Cup clash with Ghana, despite the captain registering his lowest number of touches in a major tournament while playing the full 90 minutes.
Kane's Limited Impact
Kane managed just 19 touches against the African nation, a stark contrast to his usual influence. England struggled to break down a resolute Ghana side under Carlos Queiroz, with Tuchel turning to Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, Morgan Rogers, and Marcus Rashford off the bench but keeping faith in his captain.
Strikers Ivan Toney and Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins remained unused substitutes, even after Kane missed a clear late chance. Tuchel's decision underscores his view of Kane as England's primary attacking threat regardless of form.
Tuchel's Explanation
Speaking after the match, Tuchel said: "Change Harry Kane in a game that is stuck and 0-0? Taking Harry off, no?" He added: "Everyone is pushing and I think we had three different goalscorers in the first match and to rely on Harry is just a natural thing because he loves responsibility and he takes it."
Tuchel acknowledged the team's struggles to create openings: "He was not involved as much as we like to, it was just so, so narrow. Our two central defenders were responsible for the build-up, and then it was basically eight against 10. It was difficult to find space."
Missed Chances
Despite Kane's lack of involvement, Tuchel pointed to the striker's late opportunity: "The little moments that he had was just unlucky and the last one is normally a clear goal and that would have got us a deserved win. We rely on Harry because we can, because he's our forward, but we don't over-rely on him."
The draw leaves England needing a result against Panama, and Tuchel hinted at potential changes: "I have no idea. Panama is in four days." Toney and Watkins remain without minutes in the tournament.
