Harry Kane substituted for England’s draw with Denmark as Alan Shearer hails Gareth Southgate’s bold move

Alan Shearer praised Gareth SouthgateNoel’s bold substitutions in the second half, when the coach replaced his top-scoring captain Harry Kane in an attempt to turn the tide.

England spent a frustrating night in Frankfurt after Kane’s early goal was canceled out by Morten Hjulmand’s stunning long-range strike, leaving the Group C game level at half-time.

And as England continued to work hard in the second half, struggling to create clear-cut opportunities and maintain possession for prolonged periods, Southgate turned to his bench for inspiration.

Trent Alexander-Arnold was the first casualty of the starting eleven, with Conor Gallagher coming into midfield, and captain Kane soon followed, with Phil Foden and Bukayo also leaving in the 68th minute.

Southgate sent in Ollie Watkins to replace Kane as England’s sole striker, while Eberechi Eze and Jarrod Bowen took up positions on the wings.

“It had to be done,” Shearer said of the surprise move to replace Kane. “Harry wasn’t affecting the game at all, he wasn’t chasing, everything was falling short. very easy.”

Speaking as BBC co-commentator, Shearer said: “I’m pleased Gareth didn’t wait until the last 10 minutes to do it, give them 20 minutes to try and do something in this game.”

The match ended 1-1 leaving England at the top of the group, but still without a guarantee of a place in the round of 16.