Ronald Koeman said he will take responsibility for the Netherlands' defeat to Austria as pressure continues to mount on the Oranje head coach.

The Netherlands twice came from behind in Berlin thanks to goals from Memphis Depay and Cody Gakpo and looked set to finish as runners-up in Group D. 

However, Marcel Sabitzer's late strike secured Ralf Rangnick's side top spot, as Koeman's side finished in third following France's 1-1 draw with Poland as a potential meeting with England in the last-16 beckons. 

"I am ultimately responsible. I put this team together because I thought it was the best. But that wasn't the case," said Koeman.

"I'm also disappointed in myself that we're starting (games) like this. I thought the beginning was a poor performance, but not the entire match.

"We knew that they play with high backs, so we indicated: close that passing line. Then the back zone must hold. But if one or the other doesn't happen, this is what you get.

"During the match I also tried to say that central defenders should pick up the emerging backs. The communication was also one of the bad things, especially at the beginning of the match."

The Netherlands lost their first group stage game at the Euros since 2012 against Portugal (2-1), and captain Virgil Van Dijk insists that something has to change quickly heading into the knockout rounds. 

"We started the match weakly, in possession of the ball and in our duels. Then you are behind the game. We lacked energy.

"We talked about it at halftime. This is incomprehensible, at a finals tournament. I have no explanation for this at the moment. We all have to do a lot more for this is bad.

"If we want to achieve something at this European Championship, something has to change very quickly. We are all responsible for this."

For Austria, they have now reached the knockout stages in their last two appearances at the European Championships, having failed to do so in their previous two editions of the competition (2008 and 2016).

Sabitzer, who became the first Austrian to play 10 matches at the European Championships, knows his side must now calm down ahead of the knockout rounds. 

"If you beat the Netherlands and win the group, then you can't be that bad," Sabitzer said. "For us, the most important thing was to advance, and we managed that. Now we need to calm down, clear our heads and then keep attacking.

"In football, things often happen quickly, you have ups and downs. I think that's normal. The question is how you deal with it.

"I've worked very well in the last few days, the team supports me very well. When you win like that, win the group, score the winning goal, it doesn't get any better than that.

"I give everything for the team, always want to help with assists and goals, and if that happens as a side effect, it's very nice.

"You can see that we rotate through the team and nothing is missed, everyone knows their position and what they have to do."

Serhiy Sydorchuk is hopeful of keeping Ukraine's fairytale journey at Euro 2024 alive heading into their final group game against Belgium. 

The Blue and Yellow conclude their Group E campaign in Stuttgart on Tuesday, knowing a win will secure their place in the last-16 of the tournament. 

Slovakia face Romania in the other game, and with all three sides level on points heading into Matchday 3, the emphasis on winning has heightened. 

Sydorchuk said his team know a triumph in their first meeting with the Red Devils would see them through to the last-16 as one of the top two, but he did not want to tempt fate.

"When you say something very loudly, the echo will be very loud as well, so I think we should be silent and we should do what we can do, and we'll see tomorrow at 8 PM what we could do," Sydorchuk said.

Ukraine are looking to reach the knockout stages of a major tournament for a third time, having done so at the 2006 World Cup and Euro 2020.

All four of their final group stage games have ended 1-0 – winning the first in 2006 against Tunisia but have lost their last three (vs England at Euro 2012, Poland at Euro 2016, and Austria at Euro 2020).

Sydorchuk knows the importance of a victory for the people of Ukraine and is hopeful that securing qualification alleviate some of the misery caused by the Russian invasion of his homeland.

"What will it mean for the country is that we will go on with this fairytale, this really fantastic fairytale for several more days for the whole country, because we are at war for almost 900 days," Sydorchuk said.

"For the Ukrainians, every game, every event like that means a lot, it means for them that they can come back to the usual pre-war times." 

Czechia head coach Ivan Hasek insisted he has players ready to replace Patrik Schick in their must-win final group game against Turkiye on Tuesday. 

Shick, who became his nation's top scorer at the European Championships with his goal against Georgia, limped off shortly after scoring and is a doubt for their final Group F fixture. 

"Patrik has been with the physios and doctors for the last two days," Hasek said. "He wasn't training. He's getting better, but we will see tomorrow.

"Schick is a key player, one of the best scorers in Europe. But if he's not able to play, we need to replace him. And we have players who are able to replace him and they are ready and been working hard," added Hasek.

After claiming a point in their opening two group games, Czechia know they must rectify their current three-game winless run against their opponents on Tuesday to progress to the last-16 of Euro 2024. 

Turkiye have won their two previous matches against Czechia at the European Championships, with both of these encounters, as per this year’s, coming in the last group game.

"There is a positive energy in the team," Hasek said of the feeling among his squad ahead of the game at the Volksparkstadion. 

"Some of the players have not played yet, not got that many opportunities and we want to win for them, mostly so that their chances of getting on the pitch and playing here remains. 

"I really have great trust in my team, they play as one man and I think we will show that on the pitch."

France's progression to the Euro 2024 knockout stages was confirmed on Monday, without Didier Deschamps' side kicking a ball.

Les Bleus sit second in Group B - behind the Netherlands having scored a goal less - with four points from their opening two matches, ahead of facing Poland in Dortmund on Tuesday.

However, the two-time European champions will approach the game safe in the knowledge they are assured of a place in the last 16.

With Hungary and Croatia finishing third in Group A and Group B with three and two points respectively, even a defeat against Poland would see France advance as one of the four best third-placed teams.

Deschamps' side are the only European nation to qualify from the group stage of all seven major international tournaments (World Cup and European Championship) since 2012.

Mattia Zaccagni says he and Italy are eager to repay head coach Luciano Spalletti, after the substitute's dramatic late equaliser against Croatia sent the Azzurri through to the Euro 2024 knockout stages.

The reigning champions appeared set to finish third in Group B and face a potentially nervous wait for confirmation of their fate, as they trailed to Luka Modric's goal in Leipzig.

However, in the eighth minute of stoppage time, substitute Zaccagni made himself the hero, curling a stunning first-time shot beyond Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic.

Snatching second place from under the 2018 World Cup finalists' nose, Italy kept their title defence alive and will play Switzerland in the last 16 on Saturday.

Spalletti is overseeing the Azzurri's fortunes at a major tournament for the first time and, following his last-gasp heroics, Zaccagni saluted the former Napoli boss.

"[I feel] immense satisfaction," he said. "I'm excited, it's a beautiful evening. It was important to draw to qualify in second place.

"We did well to stay in the game with a great second half. We deserved this draw. The coach did well to create this group, we will try to repay him on the pitch."

Spalletti added: "There are things that happen in our matches that are illogical, but we need to take what the boys have in their qualities and put them in a position to express themselves at their best.

"We passed through the group stage on merit. Now, we will have a chance to think about the next match."

Ferran Torres says Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has "got us all excited" after they stayed perfect at Euro 2024 with a narrow 1-0 victory over Albania.

La Roja were already assured of top spot in Group B and qualification for the last 16, but ensured they advanced to the knockout stages with three wins from three games, and without conceding a goal. 

Torres, one of 10 changes from Thursday's 1-0 win over Italy, scored the only goal after just 13 minutes in Dusseldorf, latching onto Dani Olmo's precise throughball and beating Albania goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha with a wonderful first-time finish.

The Barcelona forward's seventh direct goal involvement (five goals, two assists) is the joint-most by any Spain player since De la Fuente took charge (level with Joselu). 

And the confidence and momentum is quickly gathering momentum for La Roja, who last won all three group-stage matches at a European Championship in their title-winning campaign of 2008.

"I'm proud to represent my country," Torres said. "I'm going to make the most of the opportunities that the coach gives me, with goals, assists, defensive work.

"I want to continue making history with Spain. I'm not going to stop until I do. I don't care [who we face next]. We're a great team, we're working hard, and the coach has got us all excited."

On his goal, he added: "Before the match, I had already talked about it with [Dani] Olmo, that he would give me those passes into space. I didn't think twice when it came to me."

With the identity of Spain's last-16 opponents still to be determined, team-mate Mikel Merino concurred La Roja have no real concerns regarding who they face.

"We're talking about a team [Albania] that gave Croatia and Italy a tough time," the midfielder said. 

"We were warned that they were going to be a very tough team. They can hurt you if you don't master the transitions. They made us run. But this team also knows how to suffer. When we had to resist, we did.

"There are no preferences [for their last-16 opponents]. All the opponents here are going to be very tough. If you want to be the best, you have to play against the best."

Goalkeeper David Raya added: "It was a very good game from the whole group. We knew it wasn't easy because of what [Albania] were playing for. They created chances, they had to get the three points. It's a very sweet taste for three games won.

"We got the goal, and we left them in trouble. But in the second half, they took more risks."

Albania's defeat saw them finish bottom of Group B with one point - one less than third-place Croatia - meaning England are guaranteed a place in the knockout stages, regardless of their result against Slovenia on Tuesday.

Barnabas Varga has undergone successful surgery and will leave hospital on Wednesday, after suffering a facial fracture during Hungary's dramatic 1-0 win over Scotland at Euro 2024.

The forward required urgent medical attention after colliding with Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn in the 68th minute of the crucial Group A encounter in Munich on Sunday.

There was a lengthy stoppage in play, with Varga's team-mates forming a protective wall around him for privacy during treatment.

The 29-year-old left the field on a stretcher and was taken to hospital, but was in a stable condition before his surgery.

A statement from the Hungarian Football Federation read: "According to the information of the institution's doctors specialising in facial injuries, the intervention was uncomplicated, so the attacker can leave the hospital on Wednesday."

Varga's wife Laura Skrapits also shared a picture on Instagram, accompanied by the message: "Thank you for the kind, supportive messages. Barni is over the surgery. A little rest awaits him, but everything will be fine."

Kevin Csoboth's 100th-minute strike secured third place for Hungary in Group A, boosting their chances of progressing to the knockout stages.

The team dedicated their victory to Varga, holding aloft his number 19 jersey as they saluted their supporters.

Manuel Neuer said Germany's draw with Switzerland felt like a win, going on to praise the impact made by Julian Nagelsmann's substitutions in Frankfurt on Sunday. 

In a battle between Group A's unbeaten sides, it was Murat Yakin's team who took the lead through Dan Ndoye's first international goal in the first half.

Germany had seen Robert Andrich's earlier effort ruled out by VAR after Jamal Musiala was adjudged to have committed a foul in the build-up. 

However, substitutes David Ruam and Niclas Fullkrug combined to rescue a point for Die Mannschaft, ensuring they topped the group and remained unbeaten heading into the knockout stages. 

"You should never write off a team, especially ours, especially with the substitutions we were able to make," said Neuer. 

"The players who came on were a breath of fresh air and the result feels a bit like a victory."

Neuer, who made his 18th appearance for Germany at the Euros, overtook Gianluigi Buffon (17) to become the goalkeeper with the most appearances in the tournament’s history but was unable to celebrate with a clean sheet. 

During that time, the 38-year-old has made 32 saves across his appearances in the tournament, an average of 1.7 per game.

When compared to Buffon, the Italian made more saves (60) from fewer outings, averaging 3.5 saves per game, as well as keeping more clean sheets (eight) compared to Neuer's six.

The Bayern Munich goalkeeper is playing in his eighth major tournament for Germany and knows his side must improve in the last-16 if they are to add to their three European Championship titles.

"We weren't quite as good over the 90 minutes (as the first two games) and I think a draw was a fair result. We can be satisfied with the point."

Germany will face the runner-up of Group C in Dortmund on Saturday, with all four sides potential opponents for Nagelsmann's team. 

Netherlands captain Virgil Van Dijk understands the criticism of his side at Euro 2024, despite remaining unbeaten in the tournament following their goalless draw against France last time out. 

The Dutch came from behind to win their opening Group D game against Poland, before holding out for a point against a wasteful showing from Les Bleus. 

In a game dominated by Didier Deschamps' side, the Netherlands recorded their lowest possession figure in a Euros game on record (since 1980) with 37%. 

Despite this, excluding shootouts, the Oranje have lost just one of their last 18 games at major international tournaments, coming at Euro 2020 against Czechia (W12 D5). 

Van Dijk and his team-mates were criticised by pundits and newspaper columnists after the game against France, but the Liverpool captain was unmoved by the comments. 

"Everyone is allowed to have their own opinion, that's fine," he said. "It doesn't bother me, it's part of football. If it irritated me, I would have a very unpleasant life.

"Expectations are high, also among ourselves. We have a good team; I sincerely think so. We want to show it in big matches. After the match against France, we as players clearly said to each other what needs to be improved.

“We can and must do better than we did against France. We can still make progress in this European Championship."

The Netherlands face Austria in Berlin on Tuesday to conclude their group campaign. 

Ronald Koeman's side knows that should they equal or better France's result against Poland, they will finish top of Group D ahead of the knockout stages. 

Scotland head coach Steve Clarke was adamant his side should have been awarded a penalty as their Euro 2024 campaign ended with a 1-0 defeat to Hungary in Stuttgart. 

Kevin Csoboth scored the winning goal in the 10th minute of injury-time to put Scotland out of another major tournament in the group stages. 

However, things could have been much different for Clarke's side.

Stuart Armstrong looked to have skipped beyond Hungary's Willi Orban in the 80th minute, before the RB Leipzig defender grappled across the midfielder, with both tumbling inside the area. 

Referee Facundo Tello waved away Scotland's appeals, and a subsequent check by VAR deemed the challenge not worthy of awarding a spot-kick. 

“It was 100% a penalty," Clarke said. "Somebody, somewhere has to explain to me why that's not a penalty. It’s a one goal game, we get the penalty and it could have been a different night.

“I've got other words, but I'm not going to use them. I don't understand how VAR can look at that and say it's not a penalty.

“In a European competition, it may have been better to have a European referee but we had European VAR and maybe a referee didn't see the challenge clearly on the pitch, so what's the purpose of VAR if they are not going to come in on something like that. It was a penalty.”

Having qualified for successive European Championships, this was Scotland’s 12th major tournament group stage, and in 50% of those they have failed to win a single match – at the 1954, 1958, 1986, and 1998 World Cups and EURO 2020 and 2024.

“We gave everything, there’s nothing you can fault there. It was a very tough game against a good opponent," said Clarke. "A very close game that was always going to be decided by the first goal. You could tell that after half an hour.

“Unfortunately for us when we opened up towards the end of the game to try and chase the winner, that we felt we needed to get to the next stage, we got caught on the counter.”

Harry Kane says England's drab draw with Denmark will be a distant memory if the Three Lions go on to succeed at Euro 2024, with no "straight line" to success.

Gareth Southgate's side disappointed for large parts in Thursday's 1-1 draw with Denmark but are still in control of Group C heading into the final matchday.

England face Slovenia on Tuesday, when Denmark also meet Serbia, with Southgate's men boasting a two-point advantage and pole position in their hands.

Yet there has been added scrutiny after an underwhelming showing in their last outing, with Kane facing criticism for his part in an uninspired England performance.

The England captain insists all will be forgotten if the Three Lions can respond and go deep into the tournament in Germany.

"I think that's part of having the experience and using that to your advantage," Kane said at Sunday's pre-match press conference. 

"It would be silly just to forget all those past experiences and past tournaments because they can be really helpful and really useful. That's what I try and do.

"I think a lot of the players who have been here for a long time do the same and you have the responsibility to try and share that with the other players. Major tournaments are tough, like I touched on, there's always going to be ups and downs.

"It's never just a straight line to the top, or not in our experience. We know how much it took to get close in the last Euros [in 2021].

"The bottom line is where you finish in the tournament. No one is going to remember the 1-1 draw against Denmark if we go all the way and win it. That's just the reality.

"It's just understanding that you don't get too carried away if you're winning games and don't get too down if you're playing as we've played so far in the tournament.

"It's just about pushing on and finding a way to make sure we get to the knockout stage. And then once we're there, knockout football is ours to take."

Southgate's future has also come under speculation, with the England manager's current contract ending in December and Manchester United reportedly showing interest before sticking with Erik ten Hag.

Many have pointed their frustrations at Southgate's tactics with England failing to get the best out of a host of starts, including Premier League champion Phil Foden and Champions League winner Jude Bellingham.

Yet Kane placed his full backing in Southgate, urging critics to look at where the manager has taken them from.

"I can't speak highly enough of Gareth and what he's done for the team, for this nation in terms of where we were and where we are now as a national team is completely different," he added. 

"I think he's brilliant on the details, making sure that there's no stone unturned and that we know everyone knows what they're going to be doing going into games.

"Just as a person and giving us the freedom to be ourselves and whether that's on the pitch or off the pitch, just to feel comfortable doing that.

"I think being England manager is a really difficult job. That's the bottom line. He knows that and we all know that.

"There's always going to be people who maybe criticise him or doubt him, but I think his record speaks for itself. He's been extremely successful with us.

"Like all of us, I know he wants to, and we want to take that next step and win it.

"We're all really determined to do that so he will do what's best for the nation, he will make the decision what's best for the team and all I'd say is to just get behind him."

Marcel Sabitzer insisted he will put his Champions League final defeat in the past as he prepares to help Austria reach the last-16 of Euro 2024. 

The Borussia Dortmund midfielder played the full duration of their 2-0 defeat to Real Madrid at Wembley earlier this month. 

Los Blancos secured their 15th success in the competition thanks to goals late in the game from Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Junior. 

But Sabitzer played a starring role as Austria roared back from their defeat to France in their opening game of the competition, beating Poland 3-1 to bring it down to the final matchday. 

Austria face the Netherlands in Berlin next Tuesday to conclude their Group D campaign, and know a win could see them finish top or second. 

A draw or defeat could also leave Ralf Rangnick's side with a good chance of progressing as one of the four best third-placed teams. 

"The possibilities then really open up," Sabitzer said.

"I know that from the Champions League, especially this season. Once you're on a run in the knockout phase anything can happen.

"The most important thing is to get through the group stage and into the round of 16 and then we'll see what happens next."

England know a win, but more importantly, a performance is needed when they face Slovenia in Cologne on Tuesday. 

The Three Lions squandered the opportunity to secure qualification to the knockout stages of Euro 2024 after a lacklustre display against Denmark last time out.

Harry Kane's 18th-minute opener had given Gareth Southgate's side an early advantage but, much like in their opening 1-0 win against Serbia, England then failed to capitalise on an early lead.

This time they were punished on Thursday when Morten Hjulmand's effort from distance levelled proceedings, with Denmark perhaps unfortunate to not claim all three points. 

Many involved with England have already acknowledged they must improve and alterations are expected in an attempt to build momentum heading into the last 16, should they get there. 

Here, we use Opta data to preview the Three Lions' final Group C clash.

What's expected?

England are expected to win and top Group C, with the Opta supercomputer handing them a dominant 75.5% chance of getting the job done in Cologne.

Slovenia are predicted a meagre 10.4% likelihood of claiming a maiden triumph against their opponents in the same data-led simulations, with a draw forecast slightly higher at 14.1%. 

This will be only England and Slovenia’s second encounter at a major tournament, with the Three Lions winning 1-0 in the group stages of the 2010 World Cup, but Southgate's men have a fine record in this meeting.

Slovenia have failed to win any of their six matches against England across all competitions (D1 L5). Greece and fellow Group C side Denmark are the only opponents they have faced on more occasions (seven) without ever winning a single match.

Yet Matjaz Kek may fancy an upset here as the normally resolute England defence has come under fire at Euro 2024. The Three Lions have faced five more shots than they have attempted in Germany (17 shots, 22 faced).

They have failed to have more attempts than their opponents in five of their last seven Euros group stages (1992, 2000, 2004, 2012, 2020), something that hasn't happened in any of their last seven World Cup group stage appearances between 1998 and 2022.

England are also averaging just 8.9 shots per game at the Euros under Southgate (80 in nine games). Going into Matchday 3, that is the lowest shots per game any nation has had under a manager to take charge of them in more than five matches at the European Championship on record (since 1980).

Southgate will be desperate for his side to rediscover the creative spark that some of their star players have found so easy to muster with their clubs. 

Changes expected for England, but who will Southgate turn to?

With a plethora of attacking talent, the right blend of experience and youth, along with players picked to travel to Germany based on current form, England arrived at Euro 2024 among the favourites to win the tournament. 

However, any form of cohesion and fluidity is yet to transpire for Southgate's side as jeers echoed around the Frankfurt Arena from the travelling contingent after their underwhelming display against Denmark. 

Kane, who scored 44 goals in all competitions in his debut 2023-24 season for Bayern Munich, had the least touches (22) of any England player who started the game on Thursday, while also managing just one touch in the Danes' penalty area. 

England's attacking quartet of Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham and Kane managed 114 goals between them in all competitions last season, yet Southgate's men managed just two shots on target, forcing the Three Lions boss into a triple change with 20 minutes to go.

Eberechi Eze, Jarrod Bowen, and Ollie Watkins were introduced but created just one opportunity of note. Meanwhile, Anthony Gordon and Cole Palmer are still yet to make an appearance in the tournament, despite combining for 33 Premier League goals for Newcastle United and Chelsea respectively last term.

Despite creating more chances (three) and playing more line-breaking passes in the final third (five) against Denmark, it looks likely that Trent Alexander-Arnold's time in midfield could be up, but it remains to be seen who will replace him. 

Chelsea's Conor Gallagher has replaced him in England's last two games, but only completed 82.4% of his 17 passes against Denmark, also collecting a yellow card for his troubles. 

Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton are possible replacements and have shown in the Premier League they are more than capable of stepping up, yet an appearance alongside Declan Rice in midfield would mark both's first feature at a major tournament.

All or nothing for Slovenia

Slovenia know they must achieve the unlikely to keep their Euro 2024 journey alive, with their confidence taking a hit after coming inches away from securing a maiden success at the European Championships. 

Luka Jovic's leveller in Thursday's 1-1 draw with Serbia marked the latest result-altering goal in a Euros match of all-time (excluding extra-time), with his equaliser timed at exactly 95 minutes.

That late heartbreak leaves Slovenia winless across five matches at UEFA's flagship international tournament (D4 L1).

It had started well for Kek's side when Zan Karnicnik netted his second international goal, but Slovenia succumbed to a familiar fate.

Their opener was only the second time they'd gone ahead in a game at the finals, with the other instance coming against Yugoslavia at Euro 2000 when Slovenia led 3-0 before collapsing to a 3-3 draw.

Benjamin Sesko showed the greatest promise for Slovenia, having the joint-most shots (two) and shots on target (one) for his side, but was loose in possession, ending the game with a pass accuracy of 55.8% – the second-lowest in the team. 

Yet there is still hope for Kek as Slovenia are unbeaten in their last eight games in all competitions (W4 D4), only enjoying a longer such run once in history (nine games between September 2020 and March 2021).

PLAYERS TO WATCH

England – Harry Kane

While much was made of Kane's performance against Denmark, there is no denying the quality he offers the Three Lions in and around the penalty area.

The Bayern Munich striker has only managed two touches in the opposition box at Euro 2024 so far, the same total as both Kyle Walker and Alexander-Arnold.

Yet Kane still scored his fifth goal in his last six appearances at the tournament, with only Wayne Rooney (six) and Alan Shearer (seven) managing more Euros goals for England.

Slovenia – Petar Stojanovic

With England expected to dominate possession on Tuesday, Slovenia's defence will have to be at their best to give them any chance of getting something from the game. 

Right-back Petar Stojanovic won possession 11 times against Serbia, with only Ales Ceh at Euro 2000 against Spain (14) managing to win the ball back more often for Slovenia in a major tournament game.

Harry Kane insists he is fully fit and firing at Euro 2024 as the England captain reminded pundits of their responsibility, suggesting players "do hear" their scrutiny.

The Bayern Munich talisman was withdrawn in the second half as England were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw with Denmark on Tuesday.

Kane opened the scoring after just 18 minutes in that frustrating showing but has struggled to make a decisive impact in Germany, after also failing to deliver in England's opening 1-0 win over Serbia.

The former Tottenham striker has only managed two touches in the opposition box at Euro 2024, the same total as both Kyle Walker and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

That led to some scrutiny from some former players-turned-pundits, with Gary Lineker criticising Kane's tendency to drop deep and seemingly negative impact on Gareth Southgate's attempted press.

Kane acknowledged the comments but suggested the likes of Lineker, an 80-cap England international, must remember their profile when encouraging scrutiny of the national side.

"I'd never want to be disrespectful to any player, especially a player who's worn the shirt and knows what it's like to play for England," Kane said at Sunday's press conference before Tuesday's clash with Slovenia. 

"I think what maybe ex-players or ex-players who are pundits now have got to realise is that it's very hard not to listen to it now, especially for some players who are not used to it or some players who are new to the environment. 

"I always feel like they have a responsibility, I know they've got to be honest and give their opinion but also their responsibility of being an ex-player, an ex-England player that a lot of players looked up to.

"People do care about what they say and people do listen to them. So like I touched on, everyone's got their opinion but the bottom line is we haven't won anything as a nation for a long, long time.

"A lot of these players were part of that as well and they know how tough it is. It's not digging anyone out but it's just the reality that they do know that it's tough to play in these major tournaments and tough to play for England.

"All I'd say is just remember what it was like to wear the shirt and that their words are listened to, you do hear it. We all want to win a major tournament.

"I'm sure they want us to win a major tournament, and being as helpful as they can and building the lads up with confidence would be a much better way of going about it."

Kane has scored five goals in his last six Euros appearances, with only Wayne Rooney (six) and Alan Shearer (seven) scoring more European Championship goals for England.

The England skipper is also only the third player to score in four separate major tournaments for his country (2018 and 2022 World Cup, Euro 2020 and this edition), after Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney.

Yet still his influence off the ball remains a question that many have posed to Southgate's tactics, but Kane insists he is fit and capable of leading from the front.

"I'll give everything I have for however long I play," Kane responded when asked about his early withdrawal against Denmark. "If it's 70 minutes, if it's 90 minutes, if it's extra time, I physically feel more than capable of doing any of that.

"I've done that my whole career and I've done that for pretty much the whole season as well. I'm feeling fresh and I'm feeling fit.

"I know sometimes when I've had bad games or games not up to the standard, there's always something to look for and find a reason why. But sometimes it's just that's the game, or it's one or two games.

"If this was in a league season, no one's really talking about it because it's in a small heightened environment.

"Of course, there's more chatter. So the important thing is that from me personally, I feel fit, I feel ready and I'll play as long as the manager wants me to play."

Harry Kane acknowledged England have fallen short of expectations so far at Euro 2024 but insisted there is no need for panic as he likened their start to that of a boxer or major golfer.

Gareth Southgate's side edged past Serbia in their Group C opener before being held to a disappointing 1-1 draw with Denmark on Thursday.

The Three Lions are still top of their pool and in pole position to qualify as group winners, so long as Southgate's men overcome Slovenia in Cologne on Tuesday.

Yet frustration has been growing from some quarters of supporters and pundits, with Gary Lineker and a host of former players questioning England's underwhelming performances and line-up selection.

England captain Kane understands parts of the scrutiny, though sees no need for concern with their Group C destiny in control.

"Momentum is the right word," the Bayern Munich talisman said at Sunday's pre-match press conference. "I think if you said where we are now before the tournament, you'd pretty much be qualified after two games, we would have taken it for sure.

"But I think we can be honest with ourselves that we haven't played the way we've wanted to play. I think the good sign is that we've still picked up results while doing that.

"Of course, we want to finish top as well and just kind of take that momentum into the knockout stages."

England are averaging 8.9 shots per game at the Euros under Southgate (80 in nine games). Going into Matchday 3 at this tournament, that is the lowest shots per game any nation has had under a manager to take charge of them in more than five matches at the European Championship on record (since 1980).

Those numbers make for concerning reading for some of the Three Lions faithful, with Kane accepting England have failed to hit their usual heights in Germany this month.

"I think we dropped below what we know we can," Kane said of the Denmark showing. "But overall, I think we are calm. We have been here before.

"We've got a lot of experience. So it's not a time to panic, but it's a time to try and improve.

"Especially these early stages, it's almost like a boxer in the first couple of rounds, just seeing where everyone's at, seeing how you feel. Or a golfer in a major tournament – okay, it's the first round, don't play yourself out of the tournament; just be calm. And that's kind of where I think where we're at.

"We're looking where we can improve, and of course, we know we can improve, but it's not a time to panic and think we need to change everything.

"We just need a few fine details that I think will help us."

Kane is no stranger to this major-tournament scrutiny either, with England facing similar at Euro 2024 after a group-stage draw with Scotland, before subsequently reaching the final.

"We're in a good place, even though we know we haven't quite reached the levels that we can, but it's been pretty much how it always is," Kane continued.

"I think calm is the most important one. A lot of us have been here and done that and we've given England fans some fantastic times and I know 99% of the fans are fully behind us and fully with us.

"I always say when it's finished there will be people judging us. We've had some good tournaments, we've had some tournaments where we've just fallen short.

"During it, it's down to us as players, as coaching staff, as the whole environment to get it right and find where we can improve."