Gareth Southgate‘s gambles continue as the England boss decided to take skipper Harry Kane off the field, with just minutes left before the penalties. His decision is a massive surprise considering Kane is the team’s top penalty taker, and having him absent for the spot kicks is a colossal blow for the team. The game saw the Englishman bump shoulders with Manuel Akanji during a 1v1 before he crashed into head coach Southgate on the sidelines.

Just moments after the collision, the manager took the player off the game, which left fans concerned if the striker had picked up an injury. However, reports suggest the substitution had nothing to do with the injury, as Gareth Southgate just wanted a fresh pair of legs on the field with Kane likely cramping up.

Despite their star man not being on the field, the team did their job to move past the penalties. Jordan Pickford provided his team with the early advantage as he jumped to his left to block a lackluster attempt from Manuel Akanji. England’s penalty takers included Cole Palmer, Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Ivan Toney and Trent Alexander-Arnold. All five players were on the mark for the team as England with the win have now secured a place in the semifinals of the competition.

Harry Kane comments over a potential injury after being subbed off against Switzerland

Kane applauded his team for holding their nerves during the penalties. While talking to the media following the game, he stated, “There’s a few hearts slipping a beat out there. Another tough game. Great resilience from the lads to go a goal down and come back. Great result. Fantastic finish from Bukayo [Saka]. Penalties are penalties but I felt comfortable with the lads [out there]. We do a lot of practice. We trust in whoever’s on the pitch. We’ve got proven penalty takers this time: B, Ive, Cole.”

Harry Kane also commented on his substitution adding, “Unbelievable. For Bukayo to play a new position and to play he did, with and without the ball, and to score the penalty in the manner he did. Incredible. I’m fine. I had a bit of cramp after tripping over the water bottles, both calves cramped.”

The England skipper will be back in training after some rest. Gareth Southgate’s side will face the winner of the contest between the Netherlands and Turkiye. As of writing the game between the two teams is at a standstill with 35 minutes played since the opening whistle.