Graeme Souness believes Harry Kane isn't to blame for Bayern Munich's current woes as the Bundesliga giants battle to keep their season alive.
Bayern were favourites to win the Bundesliga at the beginning of the season but currently sit five points behind Bayer Leverkusen at the top of the table.
Their hopes of winning the Champions League are hanging by a thread, too, with Kane criticised following their 1-0 defeat to Lazio in midweek.
Some believe the 30-year-old has become a jinx, with Bayern dominant prior to his arrival.
Harry Kane has been criticised with Bayern Munich currently struggling for form
GETTY
Yet Souness doesn't buy into that narrative and insists Kane isn't to blame due to his outstanding form in front of goal.
Writing for the Daily Mail, the former Sky Sports pundit said: "Kane is world class and I'd like to think the 28 goals he scored for them this season leaves him with at least some credit in the bank.
"For me, there's a bigger issue.
"Bayern have fantastic firepower and flair in attack with Jamal Musiala, Leroy Sane and Serge Gnabry but are very average elsewhere in the team.
"Harry has joined one of the weakest Bayern squads in recent memory.
"In the past, I could easily reel off six or seven top German players but I'd struggle now and I think that's the issue; the Bundesliga has never been so weak.
"I could say the same for top players from Spain and Italy.
"That's why I believe Harry and his England team should be firm favourites for the Euros this summer.
"The Premier League and the quality of England's players abroad like Kane and Jude Bellingham are far superior.
"I firmly believe if England had been more aggressive and pro-active against France at the last World Cup they would have won it.
"I'd like to think Harry and every England player should be taking a look around and feeling that right now is their time."
Bayern and Kane can't afford to lose when they go up against Vfl Bochum on Sunday.
Defeat could even spell the end for Thomas Tuchel, who has made plenty of enemies during his time at the Allianz Arena.
Kane hasn't hit the target in his last two outings, with his dip in form currently in the spotlight.
But Tuchel has defended the England international and believes Bayern are to blame for Kane's woes.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
- Marcus Rashford 'selling car he crashed in for staggeringly low price' ahead of Man Utd clash with Luton
- Pep Guardiola issues sarcastic response to Gary Neville after Man Utd legend labelled Man City 'boring'
- Jose Mourinho reveals sacking that hurt him the most as former Man Utd, Chelsea and Tottenham boss opens up
Harry Kane has failed to have a shot on target in his last two Bayern Munich matches
GETTY
"It's unbelievable how well he can score in training and how he pushes on the team - which is absolutely world-class - and how little we have found him in games," he said.
"I have seldom experienced such a difference in what a player has been able to bring on the pitch in training and on the pitch in actual games."
When asked if he'd given Kane any advice, he continued: "Harry doesn't need me. He can take care of himself.
"He knows what he's doing and he's not satisfied with the way he's been implemented in games and we're not satisfied with the way things have been going."
If Tuchel does leave Bayern, it'll be interesting to see who replaces him.
Thomas Tuchel has defended Harry Kane amid the current plight of Bayern Munich
GETTY
There's talk of Jose Mourinho coming in, with the Portuguese available following his recent sacking from Roma.
Ruben Amorim, Robert De Zerbi and Hansi Flick have all been linked with the job as well.
