• Captain calls on squad to ease pressure on Southgate
• England’s players are united as they prepare for Slovakia

Harry Kane has called on his teammates to raise their level and lift the pressure on Gareth Southgate, while backing Jude Bellingham to silence the critics when England face Slovakia in the last 16 on Sunday night.

It has not gone unnoticed in the dressing room that Southgate, who had plastic beer cups thrown in his direction by supporters after the goalless draw with Slovenia last Tuesday, has taken the flak for England’s underwhelming displays at Euro 2024. The manager has shielded his team from the discontent emanating from the fanbase and Kane believes the players must not shy away from the expectation on their shoulders.