AL WAKRAH (Qatar): England captain Harry Kane trained with the team on Wednesday ahead of their clash with the United States despite an ankle injury that required a CT scan, teammate Jordan Pickford said.
Kane suffered a knock after a tackle from Iranian Morteza Pouraliganji early in the second half of England’s 6-2 Group B win and was substituted late.
The Football Association confirmed the striker, whose 51 goals for his country are just two behind Wayne Rooney’s record, had undergone a scan, but Pickford offered an optimistic assessment.
“Yeah I think he’s fine, obviously a bit but he’s in pain, but I think he’s fine, he was on the grass with us,” goalkeeper Pickford told reporters at the base. English training.
“It’s good because he’s our captain.”
The possibility of Kane’s well-known ankle injuries returning in a World Cup that started off near perfect for England will worry coach Gareth Southgate.
Although on the other hand, five England players found the net against Iran with Bukayo Saka scoring twice and a teenager Jude Bellingham scoring his first international goal.
Kane remains England’s talisman, however, having won the Golden Boot at the 2018 World Cup with six goals as England reached the semi-finals before losing to Croatia.
Southgate is unlikely to risk a less than 100 per cent fit Kane against USA on Friday, when a win could send them into the last 16 with a game to spare, preferring to ensure he is ready for the final stages of the tournament. .
If so, Pickford is confident England have enough quality in the squad to get by without their skipper.
“I think everyone took their chance when Harry came out, Callum (Wilson) came in and played really well and got the help from Jack (Grealish) and was very selfless.
“Everyone trains very hard and everyone is here for a reason,” the Everton stopper said. “But obviously Harry is an incredible player, he leads by example in the team.
“He’s the leader, he’s the captain and we all look up to him, but there are opportunities for the other guys too.”
Defender Kyle Walker, who has not been deemed fit enough to play against Iran after recovering from groin surgery, trained on Wednesday and could be an option for Southgate.
A young United States team drew 1-1 with Wales in their Group B opener on Monday and as England will be favorites to beat them for the first time in three World Cup attempts world, Pickford said they were a threat.
Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic leads their attack and several other members of the USA squad are regulars in the Premier League.
“It’s a top nation, they have a lot of experienced Premier League players,” Pickford said.
“Pulisic is a top player, he’s played against him for a few years now. He’s good with both feet and very clinical.”
England’s last match in Group C is against Wales.
Kane suffered a knock after a tackle from Iranian Morteza Pouraliganji early in the second half of England’s 6-2 Group B win and was substituted late.
The Football Association confirmed the striker, whose 51 goals for his country are just two behind Wayne Rooney’s record, had undergone a scan, but Pickford offered an optimistic assessment.
“Yeah I think he’s fine, obviously a bit but he’s in pain, but I think he’s fine, he was on the grass with us,” goalkeeper Pickford told reporters at the base. English training.
“It’s good because he’s our captain.”
The possibility of Kane’s well-known ankle injuries returning in a World Cup that started off near perfect for England will worry coach Gareth Southgate.
Although on the other hand, five England players found the net against Iran with Bukayo Saka scoring twice and a teenager Jude Bellingham scoring his first international goal.
Kane remains England’s talisman, however, having won the Golden Boot at the 2018 World Cup with six goals as England reached the semi-finals before losing to Croatia.
Southgate is unlikely to risk a less than 100 per cent fit Kane against USA on Friday, when a win could send them into the last 16 with a game to spare, preferring to ensure he is ready for the final stages of the tournament. .
If so, Pickford is confident England have enough quality in the squad to get by without their skipper.
“I think everyone took their chance when Harry came out, Callum (Wilson) came in and played really well and got the help from Jack (Grealish) and was very selfless.
“Everyone trains very hard and everyone is here for a reason,” the Everton stopper said. “But obviously Harry is an incredible player, he leads by example in the team.
“He’s the leader, he’s the captain and we all look up to him, but there are opportunities for the other guys too.”
Defender Kyle Walker, who has not been deemed fit enough to play against Iran after recovering from groin surgery, trained on Wednesday and could be an option for Southgate.
A young United States team drew 1-1 with Wales in their Group B opener on Monday and as England will be favorites to beat them for the first time in three World Cup attempts world, Pickford said they were a threat.
Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic leads their attack and several other members of the USA squad are regulars in the Premier League.
“It’s a top nation, they have a lot of experienced Premier League players,” Pickford said.
“Pulisic is a top player, he’s played against him for a few years now. He’s good with both feet and very clinical.”
England’s last match in Group C is against Wales.
