Michael Owen has urged Harry Kane to “waste” fewer touches on the ball, as the former England striker offered tactical advice to Thomas Tuchel that he believes could help the Three Lions on the road to World Cup glory.
Owen, speaking about Kane’s role for England, said the captain can sometimes take too long before releasing the ball and that quicker decision-making would make the attack more dangerous. “Wasting too many touches,” Owen warned, as he suggested Kane should look to play earlier passes and move the ball faster around the final third.
The ex-forward feels a more streamlined approach would suit England in knockout football, with Kane often dropping deep to link play and bring others into the game. Owen’s point was not about Kane’s quality, but about sharpening the tempo in key moments, especially against top-level opponents who close space quickly.
Owen also made it clear that Kane’s strengths remain obvious: his finishing, his passing range and the way he leads the line. But he believes England can get even more out of their striker if Tuchel encourages him to take fewer touches and act sooner when openings appear.
The comments come as Tuchel prepares to shape England’s approach with the next major tournament in mind, and Owen’s message is that small tactical details can make a big difference. With Kane still central to England’s plans, the former striker feels faster execution from the captain could be a key piece of the puzzle if England are to go all the way at a World Cup.
