OPINION
Darren Gough needlessly put the cat among the pigeons by claiming Harry Kane would start the Champions League final as Tottenham are scared of losing him.
The former England cricketer shared that he thought Kane should be on the bench against the Reds but as it was him, he’d start the game for Spurs.
“Sub,” said Gough on talkSPORT (17:37, Tuesday May 28th).
“No (Durham said so he won’t start) , I think Harry Kane is Tottenham so he’ll start.
“Erm no (Durham asked if Kane picks the team), but they’ll be scared of losing him.”
Gough could have simply said he thought Kane should be on the bench but given his quality, Mauricio Pochettino would risk starting him, however that’s not exactly what he stated.
The retired cricketer implied that if Spurs didn’t play him, Kane may look elsewhere as he’d be so unhappy over not starting.
However that’s silly as Kane is no doubt aware that after missing a few games through injury, he is not a guaranteed starter as far as the final is concerned.
The 25-year-old, who has scored 24 goals in 39 games this season, sat on the sidelines as his teammates ousted Ajax in the semi-final of the competition and he no doubts is aware that making just one change to a winning side, could unsettle them.
Especially if Kane isn’t 100% fit after missing several games, as it’s not like he’ll be match-sharp no matter how hard he works in the gym.
The Spurs forward, who is captain of both club and country, he has never been one to appear to throw his toys out of the pram and you feel if he doesn’t play, he’d accept the decision and cheer his teammates on.
So given that and the fact Kane is contracted to Spurs until 2024, for Gough to imply Kane will play as Spurs fear losing him is just him stirring the pot needlessly.