Gareth Southgate has revealed that Harry Kane is in line to start for England against the USA on Friday after scans on his ankle showed no major issues.
England’s captain was on the receiving end of a poor challenge as the Three Lions romped home to a 6-2 win over Iran in their group opener, and though he played on, there were fears that he had suffered an ankle injury that could have ruled him out of their remaining group games.
Speaking in the media, however, goalkeeper Jordan Pickford revealed that “I think he’s good - a bit sore but he’s out on the grass today, he’s our captain and I think he’s fine”.
And, with England’s skipper in training on Wednesday, The Times report that he will be fit enough to start for Gareth Southgate’s side against USA, which would see England qualify for the last 16 with a win and could confirm them as group winners should Wales and Iran share the spoils in the earlier kickoff.
His fitness would come as a massive boost to the Three Lions, with Kane picking up the golden boot in 2018 and having already registered two assists in an influential performance against Iran.
More news from the England camp
Beyond Kane, second choice striker Callum Wilson missed training on Wednesday but is thought to be fully fit, while Kyle Walker could also feature after being named on the substitute’s bench against Iran.
Harry Maguire, taken off with illness on Monday, is also set to start once more in the heart of defence, though James Maddison will miss the game and is still yet to train with the team following his knee injury in Leicester City’s final Premier League game before the break.
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