Kane, Fernandes and the fatigue debate

Harry Kane made a telling point after England’s woeful show against Andorra here in Barcelona. England’s captain argued that there was a fatigue amongst players, and also alluded to the fact that especially for the Premier League players it was “tough”. Bruno Fernandes’ subsequent performance for Portugal in their Nations League final triumph over Spain placed Kane’s comments into perspective. Fernandes played two hours, and then converted his penalty in the shootout in his 66^th game of the season, 36 of them in the Premier League. And Fernandes has been Manchester United’s best player in a difficult season.

Harry Kane. Photo: Alex Caparros - The FA/The FA via Getty Images.

This is not to decry Kane’s view, simply that some games stir players more. England showed a “lack of seriousness” towards the end of their 1-0 win over Andorra, according to their head coach Thomas Tuchel. They would certainly be more motivated for a final, against more significant opposition.

So any discussion about fatigue in English footballers always needs immediate caveating, and Kane’s argument deserves analysis.

First, any sympathy for the English is lessened by the argument that Spain and France staged an intense, high-speed, thrilling Nations League semi-final on Thursday. But it is worth noting that of the 32 who featured in Stuttgart, only six play in the Premier League: Pedro Porro, Spurs; Marc Cucurella, Chelsea; Dean Huijsen, Bournemouth, now Real Madrid; Mikel Merino, Arsenal; Ibrahima Konate, Liverpool; and the substitute Malo Gusto, Chelsea. Of the 19 unused subs, only the Arsenal pair of William Saliba and David Raya were Premier League.

Last night saw six Premier League players starting the Nations League final in Munich: Cucurella and Huijsen of Spain and Portugal’s Manchester City pair of Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva, Fernandes of United and Pedro Neto of Chelsea.

There were seven on the bench: Nelson Semedo (Wolves) and Diogo Jota (Liverpool) came on. Plus Diogo Dalot (United) and Jose Sa (Wolves). For Spain, Merino and Porro both came on while Raya stayed on the bench. So that’s 13 of the 52 in Munich are Premier League players and eight of the 51 in Stuttgart. So Kane does have a point after all.

Secondly, three of England’s outfield players don’t play in the “tough” Premier League. Kane’s at Bayern Munich, Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid and Jordan Henderson spent last season at Ajax. Kane looks fresh, Bellingham needs a break while Henderson’s place in the squad is the subject of much debate.

Thirdly, you can look to the number of games a player has played in a season, but how many are starts? How long did they play for? How many were intense games? What position? Could they ease up if winning?

Fourthly, the debate inevitably includes the realities that players are generously rewarded. That doesn’t make them immune to injury or fatigue, of course. But they are looked after by the best medical staff, sports scientists, dieticians, chefs etc. They play on the best surfaces, compared to the rutted fields of yesteryear, and dangerous tackles have been curtailed. Any England players complaining of fatigue won’t get much sympathy from England internationals of older vintage.

But the absence of a winter break in English football is an issue, Premier League games tend to be more stamina-testing than in other leagues, and Kane’s right, fatigue is a problem for players in the Premier League. But the players won’t be getting much sympathy. Not when fans see Fernandes playing like that.

**

Kylian Mbappe won the World Cup in 2018, scored a hat-trick in the 2022 final and struck his 50^th goal in his 90^thinternational against Germany in yesterday’s Nations League third-place play-off victory over Germany. And still he has his critics in France. Mbappe is one goal behind Thierry Henry, who reached 51 in 123 games, and seven short of France’s record-holder, Olivier Giroud, whose tally came in 137 caps. And Mbappe’s still only 26.

Mbappe will become his country’s most prolific scorer some time next season, perhaps even at the World Cup, and still he gets questioned. Why? Take your pick from a range of reasons. Mbappe never fully delivered at PSG. He left them for Real Madrid and many dislike Real’s power. PSG won the Champions League without him. He captained France during a difficult, much-criticised period last year, although they still reached the Euro semis. He started for Real when apparently injured and absent from France duty. Antoine Griezmann may even have retired from France because Mbappe received the captaincy after Hugo Lloris.

It was only last September that Mbappe was even booed by France fans. Yesterday, he was superb against Germany, scored, was denied by the excellent Marc-Andre ter Stegen and then selflessly squared for Michael Olise to make it 2-0. He could even have taken a very presentable chance himself. Mbappe will move alongside Henry soon enough.

**

Uriah Rennie, who has passed away aged 65, was a pioneer, the first black referee in the Premiership and a man of many interests ranging from kick-boxing to business administration (he had a Master’s in it), from university chancellor to magistrate. Rennie also worked on mental health campaigns, and on initiatives to help the disadvantaged in the city. Rennie did so much good in football and in the community. My thoughts with his family and friends.

**

I find it extraordinary that one of Everton’s most respected supporters, Dave Kelly, is not on the short-list to be on the club’s Fan Advisory Board. He’s been on it for the past three years, during which he’s fought hard for the club during all its myriad issues, point deductions, risk of relegation, takeover etc. Kelly’s a familiar figure outside Goodison, helping run the food bank (and also outside at the food bank by the Kop at Anfield). And a really important force for good inside Goodison.

Kelly’s gracious reaction to his failure to make the eight-strong shortlist, chosen by a sub-committee of the FAB, sums him up. He’s wished all the candidates well. Could they do the role as well as him? Time will tell. But Kelly’s persistence, badgering of the media, and determination to stand up for his club, when leadership was lacking elsewhere, will never be forgotten. Kelly’s contribution is also hugely respected by fans of other clubs like West Ham, who’ve also been through issues (such as ticketing) with owners. Maybe there will be a role for Kelly at the Football Supporters’ Association.

**

Enjoy the week. Let’s hope England play to their individual abilities against Senegal. Let’s hope England’s season ends with a bang not a whimper.