LiveScore Daily: Maguire says Kane is the best striker in the world

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King Kane

Harry Kane is the best striker in the world, according to England team-mate Harry Maguire.

The Three Lions struggled until their captain appeared from the bench in the 1-1 draw against North Macedonia on Monday and the Manchester United defender admits they are a different side in his absence.

He said: "For me, he [Kane] is the best striker in the world.

"When he's not on the pitch, we miss him. He's our captain, he's our leader and he has been since I've been here.

"He's an important player, of course. He's our goalscorer. I've always said about Harry that he's one of the best strikers in the world and he's proved it now for eight or 10 years.

"Now he's gone to Bayern and is doing what he does — scoring goals."

McClean bows out

James McClean ended his Republic of Ireland career by encouraging the new generation to fulfil their potential at international level.

The 34-year-old won his 103rd and final cap in a 1-1 friendly draw with New Zealand on Tuesday and is encouraged by the young talent in the Irish setup.

He said: "There is so much ability here.

"These lads are young — that's not making excuses for them. International football is a whole different level.

“They will get better with experience.

"I've no doubt that down the line, these lads will bring the glory days back — and when I say glory days, I mean qualifying for major tournaments."

Passing on the baton

Luis Suarez claimed that Darwin Nunez is one of the best strikers in the world after the Liverpool forward scored two more goals for Uruguay against Bolivia on Tuesday.

Suarez has been reduced to a bit-part player for the national team under Marcelo Bielsa but is happy to let Nunez take the glory.

He said: "We cannot be comparing, I hope he can surpass me.

"He has things from me, from Edi [Cavani], from Haaland, from everyone."

Bielsa's side have made an impressive start to qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, winning four and drawing one of their six matches.

Work to do

Julian Nagelsmann admitted that Germany have lots to improve on after they lost both of their matches in the November international break.

The Euro 2024 hosts have now won just two of their last 10 games after defeats against Turkey and Austria this week.

Nagelsmann said: "We're not playing freely.

"We've an unbelievable amount of work to do in each position. We need to accept the situation but we can't fall into the role of being victims.

"We are a really well-functioning group at training but it's not transferring onto the pitch. 

"We're missing some self-confidence, which is not a surprise when you see the past few months."

Olivier wants more

Olivier Giroud is keen to stay on at AC Milan beyond the end of his current contract, which expires this summer.

The Frenchman has scored 40 goals in 100 appearances for the club since signing in 2021 but says he will listen to his body before finalising his future.

He said: "I would like to stay. I want to win the second star [Serie A].

"As long as my body allows me, I will try to overcome limits. 

"My contract expires next June but I haven't spoken to the club yet.

"I can still be useful to this team. For me it was a blessing to join this club."