After overcoming an injury scare, England manager Gareth Southgate has confirmed that captain Harry Kane will be fit to face the United States in Friday’s World Cup 2022 Group B match..
The Tottenham Hotspur man led the line as the Three Lions began their quest for glory with a 6-2 win over Iran on Monday, despite failing to score himself.
Kane surged forward in the second half and was the victim of a late challenge from Morteza Pouraliganji, landing awkwardly on his ankle..
The 29-year-old played 76 minutes before being replaced by Callum Wilson, and there was immediate concern about a potential problem for Southgate’s captain..
Fears were heightened when it was reported that Kane would undergo a scan on the issue, but the tests revealed no serious problem, and he returned to training on Wednesday.
Southgate revealed to ITV Sport ahead of Friday’s Group B game against the USA that Kane would be back in team training later this week and would be fine to lead the line against Gregg Berhalter’s men.
“He’s great. He’s done a little more work on his own today, but he’ll be back with the team tomorrow and ready for the game. We just checked him out to see what he was like. It’s not so much the ankle as it is the foot “Southgate explained..
In addition to Kane, Harry Maguire was a forced change from the opening-day thrashing of Iran, having sat down on the turf before gingerly walking off amid fears of a concussion.
However, the Manchester United defender’s absence was due to illness, and he is expected to be fit for matchday two after impressing against Iran.
“He was feeling ill, which was affecting his vision,” Southgate explained to BBC Sport. “You worry about concussion in that moment, but we went through all the footage and there is nothing, so he is in good shape..
In addition, Manchester City right-back Kyle Walker, who was cleared to play against Iran after groin surgery, will push for a starting spot.
As a result, Leicester City playmaker James Maddison may be the only absentee for England in their match against the United States, as he recovers from a knee injury.
Newcastle United striker Wilson also missed a team training session this week, but his absence is thought to have been precautionary as Southgate manages his workload following a hamstring injury earlier in the season..
England leads Group B after defeating Iran on the first day, and a win over the United States at the Al Bayt Stadium will guarantee them a place in the World Cup’s last 16..
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