England boss Gareth Southgate defends Harry Kane substitution

Southgate says Kane was 'not happy' to come off but understands the decision

Shearer questions Southgate's use of Kane after England's 1-1 draw

Gareth Southgate has defended his decision to substitute Harry Kane during England's 1-1 draw with Denmark in the Nations League on Thursday. Kane was replaced by Callum Wilson in the 65th minute, with England trailing 1-0. The Tottenham striker was visibly frustrated to be taken off, but Southgate said he made the decision in the best interests of the team.

"Harry wasn't happy to come off, but he understands the decision," Southgate said. "He's played a lot of football this season and he's not at his sharpest. We need to manage him carefully and make sure he's ready for the World Cup."

Alan Shearer, the former England striker, questioned Southgate's decision to take Kane off. Shearer said Kane was England's best player on the night and that he should have been left on the pitch.

"I don't understand why Southgate took Kane off," Shearer said. "He was our best player and we needed him on the pitch. We were struggling to create chances and he's our best chance creator. It was a strange decision."

Southgate's decision to substitute Kane is likely to be debated in the build-up to the World Cup. Kane is England's captain and leading goalscorer, but he has been in poor form for Tottenham this season. Southgate will need to decide whether to start Kane in England's first game of the World Cup against Iran on November 21.