- With The Three Lions preparing to face the USA on Friday
- Gareth Southgate gave updates on his players’ fitness and availability
- England look to ease their way out of the Group Stages early
According to manager Gareth Southgate, Harry Kane has been cleared to play in England’s subsequent encounter against the United States on Thursday.
During Monday’s 6-2 victory over Iran, Kane was struck in the ankle and forced to leave the game. He returned in the second half. Raheem Sterling received help from the forward throughout the game.
Following scans on Wednesday on the England captain, Southgate has officially named the striker for England’s second World Cup match, according to Reuters.
With 51 goals to his name, Kane is now two goals away from tying Wayne Rooney for an Englishman’s most scored goals. The Three Lions would have suffered greatly without him. When Southgate saw Kane fall to the ground on the field, he acknowledged his concern. He claimed that the pressure subsided as soon as he saw Kane continue.
He’s great. He put in a little bit more individual work today, but he’ll rejoin the team tomorrow and be OK for the game, according to Southgate in an interview with ITV.
“We simply looked inside him to see. I believe that it’s sometimes crucial to know exactly what’s there when treating things, and that was all good.
“The foot is more of a problem than the ankle. Although it was a horrible challenge overall. I believe we managed to get away with it very lightly.”
When he fell on the field, Southgate admitted, “I was (holding my breath), but once he continued playing, everything was fine.”
Harry Kane in a previous match for England. |PHOTO: Sky Sports|
Harry Maguire to be selected
After walking off during England’s first game, Harry Maguire was a doubt for the clash with the USA. Even after assuring the fans that it was due to a precaution and that he was okay, there were still some doubts since head injuries are taken seriously.
The Manager has confirmed that the Manchester United’s defender would be ready to face the USA as England looks to ease their way out of the Group Stages.
Jordan Pickford, a teammate of Maguire’s from England, has come to his defence as a result of the criticism he has received and the fact that he hasn’t played much for Manchester United this year.
“He deserves much more praise, but every football player receives criticism. It seems a little unfair to me. His on-field accomplishments have demonstrated his talent.”
Harry Maguire is fit to start against the USA. |PHOTO: talkSPORT|
“He’s been amazing in every way. He was incredibly impressive the other night, contributed to our goal, and may have even been responsible for the VAR decision that cost us a penalty.
“I get along really well with him. Harry has been in front of me in most of my camps, and he’s doing great right now.”
If England defeats the USA on Friday, they will have a good chance of moving on to the next round with one game remaining.
In their opening World Cup match, Wales held the USA to a 1-1 draw.
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