As far as post-mortems on an English exit from a major tournament go, this year's has arguably been the least vitriolic and blame-heavy public debate in recent decades.
With most of the conversation focusing on the impact of the 'Its Coming Home' memes and the perceived arrogance of their TV punditry on route to the semi-final, for once an England squad is without any obvious scapegoats or burning effigies greeting their arrival home. Russia 2018 was a departure from previous summer tournaments in that the images of England fans back home hurling themselves through bus shelters and threatening to riot IKEA stores were presented as expressions of joy and celebration.
However, the forgotten man of England's summer in Russia, Sam Allardyce, has sought to light the fires of blame by pointing in the direction of captain Harry Kane.
Sam Allardyce enjoying a burger while watching England v Panama
Speaking to talkSPORT in the aftermath of England's extra-time defeat at the hands of Croatia, Big Sam made the noble gesture of protecting his successor Gareth Southgate from any blame by instead suggesting Kane's two misses in the first-half had cost his side a place in their first final in over fifty years.
Had we gone in 2-0 up, I don't think there was any chance Croatia would have recovered from that. Particularly the double miss from Harry - as a striker, you're employed not to miss those chances when they come along.
Allardyce opened with the words "I don't want to be unkind to Harry Kane..." before being unkind to Harry Kane, who finds himself in the curious position of being England's top scorer and likely Golden Boot winner having not produced anything near his best form in the tournament. While his performance in the semi-final was particularly disappointing, Kane cannot be blamed for his side's defensive and midfield failings which were punished by Croatia after half-time.
Its also arguable that he cannot be blamed for one of the missed chances pointed to by Big Sam, with footage emerging of an incredible intervention from Croatian goalkeeper Subasic deflecting the ball onto the post which was not immediately picked up by the live coverage.
Didn't spot this, and criticised Kane for missing the chance. This is arguably one of the greatest ever saves, given the match situation. If this goes in, England make the final. https://t.co/DTqI8FkQWu
— Daniel Storey (@danielstorey85) July 14, 2018
Hopefully, these comments will be long forgotten by the second half of next season when Kane lines up for Tottenham against Big Sam having been parachuted in mid-season to save (insert bottom-half Premier League team here) from relegation.
