What's going on with Harry Kane?

If you've been following England since the beginning of the World Cup, you must be reasonably happy about the performances of the Three Lions. But also, you probably have noticed that one key player is struggling to make an impact so far. This is Harry Kane, the English captain and central forward. It is especially surprising given the attacking fiesta the team was able to produce in the first game against Iran, with a 6-2 victory. There, five different players scored but Harry Kane's personal count remained at zero.

Of course one should not worry too much. It's very likely that Kane will turn on the scoring machine from the next matchday or round of 16. Yet, I see two possibly overlooked causes for Kane's inefficacy, and it's interesting to have a look at them because these factors might stay :

England's new tactic in 4231

We have seen that Gareth Southgate, England's manager, has tried many tactics over 2022 without much success. With a 4231, the team seems now more balanced and is able to take advantage of the players' speed on the flanks. But that leaves Kane in a system he is not used to, and where the number 9 is generally asked to stay inside the box. 

Harry Kane is more at ease in a system where he can room further , and have a close relation with his midfielders. This is the case at Tottenham, where the team plays in a 3-4-2-1. With less space, less creative room, and in the more physical role of a typical pivot, it is not sure that Kane will be able to tap into his natural qualities. 

This problem can be illustrated by his positional map during the second match against the USA. Kane roomed around the field without a strong focus on the central box area, resulting in difficulties to be found by his partner in the scoring zone.

The technical relation with Mason Mount

Within the 4231 put in place by Southgate, the role of the playmaker has been given to Mason Mount. The midfielder from Chelsea has a lot of qualities, but he's not exactly a typical number 10. He sees himself rather as a number 8 being able to master various midfield positions and situations. This is a good point for England as Mount is able to defend and apply pressure, fully participating in the defensive effort. 

However, that leaves Harry Kane without someone behind him able to deliver a lot of assists . Saka and Sterlings are great wingers on his sides, yet they are not typical passers as well. And with Trent Alexander-Arnold being now a substitute, England is missing a couple of creative and technical players who could just give Kane the ammunition he deserves.

With these new tactics and the roster choices in line with it, it might be that Harry Kane will not be well poised to score many goals. This does not threaten his presence in the starting 11, given all the services he is able to render and his influence as the captain. But you should think about it when betting on scorers for England's games at this World Cup.