JOSE MOURINHO wants Gareth Southgate to respect Harry Kane — by not flogging him to death on England duty.
Kane and Tottenham pals Eric Dier and Harry Winks are today expected to be named in Southgate’s squad for three home clashes in the space of just seven days — against Wales, Belgium and Denmark.
England should take care to avoid Harry Kane playing too much, says Tottenham boss Jose MourinhoCredit: AFP or licensors
Harry Winks and Eric Dier are set to join Spurs team-mate Harry Kane in the England squad for the next three gamesCredit: Reuters
Spurs boss Mourinho, who worked with Three Lions No 2 Steve Holland at Chelsea, said: “I believe Gareth and Steve care about the players.
“And I don’t think they want to be connected with something that can be a consequence of this week plus the three matches that the national team has
which is obviously too much — especially for my players.
“So I don’t speak with Gareth, I don’t speak even with Steve and, of course, with Steve I am a very good friend of his.
“I just let them do their job the way they want to.
Hopefully, Gareth and Steve understand what happened with Tottenham players this week… but I’m not going to call, I’m not going to beg.
Jose Mourinho
“I just leave with them also the respect they must have to their players — because the players are our players but are also their players.
“So, hopefully, Gareth and Steve understand what happened with Tottenham players this week and they respect the players.
“That’s just my hope — but I’m not going to call, I’m not going to ask, I’m not going to beg. I’ve the utmost respect for them.”
England captain Kane, 27, has started all of Spurs’ three Premier League games so far this season.
He also came on in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup shootout win over Chelsea and featured in both Europa League qualifiers.
Three Lions’ manager Gareth Southgate faces difficult decisions over his selection as Harry Kane and Co have had a hectic scheduleCredit: PA:Press Association
On top of that, Kane played all but 12 minutes of England’s two Nations League ties last month.
So Mourinho wants his star striker used sparingly.
He said: “When Kane is fit, he also should start every game for Tottenham.
“But he didn’t against Chelsea, this is the point.
“When you have such a player and want to win every match, you play him. But you just can’t do it.”
Spurs are trying to wrap up a loan deal for Benfica striker Carlos Vinicius, 25.
Mourinho and Lampard comment on touchline clash during Tottenham versus Chelsea Carabao Cup match
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
